How vehicle sales are going: used imports booming, new ones doing well, too

Arrivals of used imported cars reached their highest level in nearly five years in April, spurred on by steadily improving availability of product and the continued strength of the New Zealand dollar, reports the Motor Trade Association (MTA). Meanwhile, new commercial registrations had the biggest April since 1982, with 2235 units sold. The number of new commercial vehicles sold was 38 per cent higher than April 2012. New passenger car sales of 5908 were also up 8.8 per cent on a year prior.

In April, 10,539 used cars, including SUVs, entered New Zealand – the highest number since January 2008. The surge in arrivals flowed through to actual sales with 7418 used cars, a 26 per cent increase over the same month last year. Year to date, used imported car arrivals are 51 per cent ahead, while actual sales are ahead by 4637 units, or 19 per cent.

“The strong showing in April is not that surprising given the changes in the strength of our currency versus the Yen – up 30 per cent since December. Factor in a larger number of vehicles that meet our emissions requirements, and you have an attractive mix for buyers,” the MTA says.