Car industry relieved at jump in sales

The car industry is breathing a sigh of relief after new car sales jumped 13 per cent last month.

Official registration figures released by the New Zealand Transport Agency show that a total of 3,979 new cars were sold in New Zealand in May.

Motor Trade Association spokesman Andy Cuming says it reflects a stronger level of buyer enquiry that emerged during the month. He says while sales are running below the same period last year, the industry is feeling more confident that things have turned a corner. He says the good news for the new car industry was also matched by a return to stronger sales for used imported cars, which were up 9.5 per cent for the month.

Cuming says April was a low point but there are now signs that more strength is returning to the market, with more well-priced up-to-date models available as used imports.

- NEWSTALK ZB