Supply issues affect market

The Motor Industry Association (MIA) says the new-vehicle market is still logistically challenged with worldwide shipping capacity a long way off pre-Covid-19 levels.

In addition, manufacturers are still grappling with a global shortage of semi-conductor chips.

However, chief executive David Crawford says: “Within these constraints, the New Zealand market – year to date –continues to perform exceptionally well.”

Overall, there were 15,135 new vehicles registered last month compared to 11,514 in June 2020, reports the MIA.

“Year to date, the market is up by 57.7 per cent – or by about 31,000 units – compared to the first six months of 2020,” notes Crawford.

“The month of June was the third largest on record and the first six months of 2021 are the strongest on record.”

He adds the introduction of the government’s clean-car discount resulted in a slight reduction in the sale of new plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), but registrations of new battery electric vehicles (BEVs) “were reasonably strong”. 

Crawford, pictured, says: “Hybrid sales are not yet eligible for rebates and these remain strong. Year to date, there are 1,641 BEVs registered, compared to the same period last year when there were only 611 BEVs registered.”

Overall, last month’s registrations of 15,135 new vehicles were up by 6,822 units – or by 82 per cent – on the same month in 2020. There were 342 BEVs, 52 PHEVs and 1,113 hybrid vehicles sold last month. 

As for market segments, 25 per cent of new vehicles sold in June were compacts SUVs. They were followed by the pick-up/chassis four-by-four segment on 17 per cent and medium-sized SUVs with a 15 per cent share of the market.