Take away the rental car sales which have boosted numbers significantly in recent months, and one gets a much better overview of how tough the new car market really is.
November new car sales of 4,486 were 27% down on October registrations but are in-line with the industry forecast.
November 2008 saw the new car market tip quite dramatically in direct response to the economic downturn coupled with the collapse of a number of car finance companies. Predictions at that time were a decline of up to 30% in comparison to previous years.
Perry Kerr, Chief Executive Office of the Motor Industry Association said that this prediction was "right on the money. We have to remember that this time last year we were coming off the end of a six year boom in the car sales market. The industry is now leaner to meet current market conditions".
Commercial sales figures of 1249 were up on October but well down on November 2008.
Highlights:
- The long term Kiwi love affair with the Suzuki Swift continues with the hatchback claiming the number one spot for the month with 205 sales, finishing ahead of the Toyota Corolla and Ford Falcon.
- The Holden Commodore was pushed back to sixth place for the month but retains second place YTD.
- The Toyota Corolla holds the number one spot YTD a clear leader over the Commodore by a healthy 1630 sales.
- Mazda has opened a slight lead over Hyundai in the race for fourth place and will be keen to finish the year strongly and a little nervous the Korean brand will not overtake them with one month to go.
More information
November 2009 new car sales stats - (205 Kb PDF)