Boom in car sales continued last month

Press, 26 February 1977, Page 19

Boom in car sales continued last month

PA ' Wellington New'' Zealand’s new-car sales’ during January were 37 per cent up on the previous year. The high sales level is said by motor manufacturers to be a carry over of the boom December sales month, as motorists sought to beat price increases which came after the lifting of the Government price freeze on January 1. Motorists bought 6601 new cars during January, compared with 4823 new cars in January, 1976. While the result was well down on the December sales of 9182 new cars, it was still’ a good month for the car manufacturers. as Jahuary is traditonally the worst sales month ot the year. The leading manufacturer for January was the New Zealand Motor Corporation, with 1157 newcar sales and 17.5 per cent of the market. The company has headed the market continuously for 10 months, and looks set to continue at the top tor some time. Todd Motors recorded its best result for many

months by gaining second market position with 1051 sales and 15.9 per cent of the market. The company has made a steady recovery in ihe fiercely competitive market since it sank to sixth position last July. Ford, second in the market for many months, slipped to third position during January, with 983 new-car sales and 14.9 per cent ot the market In fourth position: and the top Japanese manufacturer, was Toyota, with 901 sales and a market share ot 13.7 per cent. It was a fitting result for the company, which last week celebrated its tenth anniversary of operation m New Zealand with a major expansion of its assembly interests in Christchurch and I hames. Datsun sold 850 new cars for fifth market spot and a market share of 12.9 per cent, while General Motors recorded another poor month. It sold 664. cars for sixth position, and a market share ot 10.1 per cent. General Motors held fourth market place last year and has been looking

towards the Chevette, a small car introduced • on to the market last October, to boost its sales. The Chevette's early months were plagued by the price advantage of its major competitor in the very competitive small car market — the Honda Civic. The company now expects a lift in interest in the car. after recent price rises tor the Civic. Mazda sold 424 new cars during the month for a market share of 6 4 per cent and seventh position