Marque’s sales climb in ‘disruptive’ year
Toyota New Zealand says sales of its new vehicles were strong in 2023 despite it being the “most disruptive year” in terms of government policies affecting the automotive market.
The company sold 33,640 units last year, which was an increase of 13 per cent from 2022’s figures.
Neeraj Lala, chief executive, says there were plenty of challenges during the past 12 months but it was humbling to be the market leader again.
“To be honest, 2023 was the most disruptive year we have faced in terms of government intervention in the market,” he adds.
“The lack of certainty and policy flip-flops had an enormous impact on our supply chain, our people and our stores.
“However, we had incredibly understanding customers and … with the support of our business partners, we made huge efforts to get our customers’ orders delivered even as policies waxed and waned.”
Lala notes the transition towards the full electrification of vehicles is happening and says Toyota NZ is committed to providing the broadest range of models with the right tech, to the right people, and at the right time. “We call this Mobility for All, which needs customers, tech and infrastructure to be moving forward together.”
Different customers need different types of access to mobility and Toyota’s aim over the next five years is to offer a range of new and used vehicles with a mix of powertrains from hybrid and plug-in hybrid to battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell.
“We are a volume business and our strategy has been to serve all customers in just about every segment, that’s not about to change,” explains Lala.
“What is changing is the mix and availability of models. Over time we will sell more electrified vehicles and a rapidly decreasing number of diesel or petrol vehicles.
“We have four core types of technology on our five-year radar – hybrid electric, plug in hybrid electric, battery electric and fuel cell electric vehicles.
“By offering a wide range, we will be able to meet our commitment to a 46 per cent reduction in carbon emissions and our target of getting to net zero as a global organisation by 2050.”
As more consumers seek fuel-saving and carbon emissions-lowering powertrains, Toyota says it is providing hybrid options in its core passenger models such as the Corolla, RAV4, pictured, and Highlander.
Hybrids accounted for 52 per cent of Toyota NZ sales in 2023, which helped drop the average emissions of vehicles it brought into the country by seven per cent to 165g of carbon dioxide (CO2) per kilometre at the year’s end.
The introduction of the marque’s first fully electric bZ4X and hybrid Hilux in 2024 will further support the commitment to decarbonising its portfolio.
Toyota NZ also imports used vehicles and sold 7,336 such units in in 2023, an increase of 25 per cent from the previous year.
With the marque represented by almost one in every four cars, SUVs, utes and vans in New Zealand, Toyota’s service and parts business is also experiencing growth and distributed 2.7 million parts last year.
