2014 New Vehicle Registrations Off to a Rip Roaring Start

“2014 registrations of new vehicles has got off to a rip-roaring start with the strongest January total since the MIA started collecting records for passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles and total vehicles. Total vehicle sales of 10,258 for January, were by far the best January sales since the MIA began collecting records” says David Crawford, Chief Executive Officer of the Motor Industry Association.

New commercial vehicle registrations were 2235, the highest January sales since the MIA began collecting records in 1981. New passenger car sales also recorded their highest January sales since the MIA began collecting records in 1975, with 8293 sales.

“It’s the fourth month in a row that records have been the highest since records began, fuelled by a strong New Zealand dollar and a strong economy,”said Mr Crawford.

There were 10,528 new vehicles sold in January compared to 9293 in January 2013. January registrations of new commercial vehicles were up 17.1% and passenger car sales up 12.3% on January 2013.

Toyota was the market leader for the month of January with 17.4% market share (1830 units) with Ford second on 11.3% (1,193 units) and Holden third with 9.8% (1032 units).

Toyota Corolla remains the top-selling passenger model with 9% market share (722 units), followed by Ford Focus on 4% (301 units) and Suzuki Swift at 3% (261 units). The Volkswagen Golf and Toyota Yaris were the next best-selling models, also with 3% each of market share.

Ford Ranger was the top selling commercial model for January with 314 units sold (14% market share). The Nissan Navara was the second best seller with a 13% market share (291 units).  This was followed by the Toyota Hilux with 10% (231 units).

​The sale of sports utility vehicles represented 27% of all vehicles sales in January, followed by small passenger cars at 26%, and pick-ups/chassis-cabs at 14%.