The trusted voice of the industry
for more than 30 years

Blue oval top in light commercials

Ford New Zealand has taken the number-one spot in the light commercial segment for the first time in its history.
Posted on 09 January, 2019
Blue oval top in light commercials

Ford New Zealand has taken the number-one spot in the light commercial segment for the first time in its history, according to Motor Industry Association statistics published on January 8.

The marque says the Ranger’s largest lead yet in the highly competitive and important segment certainly helped. However, the new Transit auto, which arrived in June and had 22 per cent year-on-year growth, helped push Ford to the top spot in 2018.

Sales of the Ranger last year marked its fourth year in a row as New Zealand’s favourite vehicle, and it's fifth year as number-one commercial vehicle – and by the largest margin between it and its nearest competitor.

Ford NZ shares a similar top spot with Ford of Europe where the company is established as the best-selling commercial vehicle brand, and in the US where Ford has celebrated 40 consecutive years of leadership in the van segment and 42 consecutive years of leadership with F-Series trucks.

The new Transit Custom arrived in June with a fresh design, all-new cabin and advanced turbodiesel engine with six-speed automatic transmission.

Drivers have welcomed the all-new interior and enhanced features. The range now includes side-curtain airbags, AEB with pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning with driver alert. 

Kiwis welcomed the new Ranger in October and Ranger Raptor in November. The 2019 line-up boasts class-leading technology, safety and convenience features combined in a package with lower running costs.

The new ute was built on the capabilities and off-road credentials that have made it the most popular vehicle in New Zealand for four years running and most popular ute for the past five years. In 2018, the Ranger outsold its nearest competitor the Hilux by more than 1,800 units – the largest margin yet.