Liz Dobson: SUVs rule vehicle sales in big year

Ford's Ranger ute has been having a bumper year. Photo / John Borren

It looks like this is going to be a very merry Christmas for car distributors in New Zealand with a record year for new vehicles sales.

While many car companies will already be celebrating a record 2014, there are still a few fights for number one in some tight segments.

Driven's inbox has been inundated this week with press releases from premium car distributors announcing record sales for November and predicting big numbers for the final quarter.

But the biggest fight is between Toyota's Hilux ute and the popular Ford Ranger for top spot by December 31. Will Ford knock off Hilux's 35-year record in New Zealand?

I bet there will be many Toyota staff members waking up early on January 1, waiting to find those final figures.

But the most popular segment in New Zealand is SUV - from compact to large to luxury - and they've had a major impact with 30 per cent of new vehicle sales in this category.
It seems Kiwis love the high seating position of this segment, the rear space and road presence.

But the "loser" is the sedan. One car executive said five years ago you'd never have expected to see Kiwis fall out of love with their large sedan - but these days the segment is ever decreasing.

But if you're in the market for a new vehicle there are some amazing bargains to be had in the sedan segment - just check out Buyers' Guide on page 33 to see what vehicle Jack Biddle recommended for a reader.