February new car sales up 12.6% on year earlier

Friday 4th March 2011

New car sales in February were 12.6% higher than a year earlier at 4844, with new commercials up 15% to 1560.

The number of new cars was down from the 6210 in January, which had been up 11% year-on-year, but Motor Industry Association chief executive Perry Kerr said February sales numbers were traditionally lower than those in January.

A strong showing in January had continued across to February, he said.

As usual, Toyota was the most popular make, accounting for 16.2% of the new cars. With few rental car registrations last month, Toyota's share of the new car market was down on its 20% share for all of 2010.

Hyundai was the second most popular make in February at 11.3%, up from its fifth place 8.5% for the 2010 year, while Suzuki was third last month with 9.7%, an improvement on its 2010 sixth place at 7.1%.

The Suzuki Swift was the most popular model in February with 351 sales, followed by the Hyundai i30 on 310 and the Toyota Corolla on 212.

The most popular commercial model was the Toyota Hilux, on 339, followed by the Nissan Navara on 182 and the Ford Ranger on 143.

The 6527 used car registrations in February, generally imported used vehicles, were down from 6761 a year earlier.

NZPA

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