Vehicle sales lift retail market

Statistics New Zealand released its latest retail trade quarterly report today, with motor-vehicle sales the strongest performing industry of the market. The total volume of motor-vehicle sales and parts rose 1.9 per cent in the December 2016 quarter, according to the report. “More expensive cars and SUV vehicles are selling well, especially in Auckland, according to comments from car dealers and industry experts," business indicators manager Tehseen Islam said. The volume of fuel sales also rose 0.9 per cent. Total retail sales volumes rose 0.8 percent in the latest quarter after adjusting for seasonal effects, following a 0.8 per cent rise in September. 11 of 15 industries had increased sales volumes. Increases were also felt in accommodation, which rose 3.5 per cent, pharmaceutical and other store-based retailing, up 2.5 percent, and electrical and electronic goods, which grew two percent. Of the 15 retail industries studied, 13 had higher sales values than in the September quarter. Motor-vehicle and parts industry had the highest sales value rise, up 2.7 per cent, or $79 million, to $2.9 billion. The sales value of fuel rose 1.3 per cent to $1.86 billion.