Toyota heads for a high

By ALASTAIR SLOANE

The strong domestic economy is lifting the demand for new motor vehicles in New Zealand towards a 20-year high, says Toyota New Zealand chairman Bob Field.

Sales after the first six months of this year are on track to better the magic 100,000 mark. The last time annual new-vehicle sales exceeded 100,000 was in 1989.

"Sales have been stimulated by an increasing commercial demand for trade and work vehicles, while greater personal wealth has resulted in more people buying new vehicles for themselves," Field said.

Land Transport Safety Authority figures show June sales leapt by more than 25 per cent (2000 vehicles) over May, while sales in the first half of this year, at 47,499, were 10 per cent ahead of those over the same period last year.

Long-time market leader Toyota has established a lead over its rivals after the first half of this year with sales of 9232 new vehicles for 19.4 per cent of the market.

In second place was Ford with 7853 (16.5 per cent) and Holden was third with 6964 (14.7 per cent).

Then came Mitsubishi with 9.4 per cent, Nissan with 7.1 per cent, Honda with 6 per cent and Mazda with 5.6 per cent.

The best-selling European was BMW, with 857 sales for a 2.4 per cent share. Sales of all other makes accounted for 21.3 per cent. June sales continued recent market buoyancy. Toyota captured 21.6 per cent of the market, followed by Ford with 19.2 per cent, Holden with 12.8 per cent and Mitsubishi with 10.8 per cent.

The Holden Commodore is New Zealand's best-selling car so far this year, closely pursued by its long-time Ford Falcon rival, and the Toyota Corolla.

Field said the improved affordability of new vehicles, coupled with the open and competitive market, have enabled New Zealand motorists to enjoy the world's lowest new vehicle prices while at the same time having early access to the latest technology.

Toyota's growth over the past 12 months had been based primarily on the introduction of several models that had appealed strongly to private buyers.

"One of those new models is the petrol/electric Prius car," Field said. "Prius is the first of a whole new generation of Toyota's eco-friendly hybrid vehicles which will be introduced to this country over the next decade.

"If we want our grandchildren to inherit a living planet the world has no option but to embrace this new technology."

Field said he was confident New Zealand's economy would remain robust, while the growing availability of new technology to improve fuel efficiency, vehicle safety and exhaust emissions would maintain the present momentum of new vehicle sales.

"There will always be some short-term disruptions to economic and market conditions but, looking ahead five years, I believe the future of New Zealand's domestic economy and the future demand for new vehicles is very healthy."

Across the Tasman, Ford Australia has achieved its best June sales result since 1989, following a record sales performance from Falcon Ute and a strong start for the Territory.

"Ford sold 13,314 vehicles during June, which is a 15-year June high for the company as well as our best overall monthly result since August 1995," said Ford Australia marketing and sales vice-president Bruce McDonald.

There is much speculation in Australia about new-vehicle sales topping the one million mark for the first time this year. Last year's sales were about 930,000.