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Contest heats up

Posted on 11 November, 2014

As New Zealand’s economic fortunes continue to improve, competition for the title of top-selling light commercial vehicle is shaping up. Toyota’s Hilux has been the country’s top-selling ute for the past 32 years but – based on sales figures to the end of October – Ford’s Ranger leads slightly. Year to date, the Ranger had sold 5,061 units with the Hilux on 4,778. Last month went to the Ford on 627 with the Toyota on 514 units. The competition looks to go down to the line as the industry prepares for the busiest time of the year, says Warwick Quinn, chief executive of the Motor Trade Association (MTA). “Both Toyota and Ford have begun their Christmas campaigns with potential bargains for savvy customers as they vie for top spot.” Overall, the new commercial market has had its strongest year-to-date on record. It was up by 14 per cent for October on the same month of last year, with sales so far this year up by 21 per cent. As the tourism industry gears up for the summer season, rental companies restocking fleets have pushed the new car market to the biggest October since 1975. The segment was up 12 per cent on the year prior and by 10 per cent year to date. Quinn says: “Toyota had another massive month in the new passenger segment. However, Holden’s Commodore continues to sell strongly despite the vehicle nearing the end of its illustrious production history. It also seems to be the sole large car to keep selling well in the wake of the move to SUVs. “Another indicator of the industry’s dynamism at this time is when compared to the market’s overall increase of 10 per cent for the year so far, there have been some movers in more specialised sectors. Fiat has seen a 238 per cent increase in sales, Renault is up by 197 per cent, Land Rover is up 87 per cent and Jeep by 62 per cent.” The used import car market for October was up by 30 per cent when compared to the same month last year. It’s up by 32 per cent year to date on 2013.