Traders need to use reputable suppliersCar dealers have been warned

to do their homework properly before buying after-

market components and systems from overseas and online sources.

The advice from the Imported Motor Vehicle Industry Association (IMVIA) comes after an apparent scam was brought to Autofile’s attention by a trader keen to alert others about it.

Gary Mitchell has been left out of pocket by a website claiming to be based in Sydney and selling “genuine” after-market navigation discs for used imports.

He discovered the website www.navigationau.com, which is run by a company that calls itself Navigation Systems Australia, via a Google search.

“The navigation software from this site was about 50 per cent cheaper than buying it elsewhere,” says Mitchell, of REM Wholesale Cars in Christchurch.

“During an email conversation, it was claimed it would work in a Japanese import so we ordered a copy.”

After paying AU$425, or about NZ$470, the disc was posted to the

dealership, but it didn’t work when Mitchell tried to install it.

He then attempted to contact the supplier by email to complain and via a phone number listed on the website, but received no response.

“Once they get your money, they don’t contact you again. We sent some emails and never heard anything back.”

After realising the website is probably a scam, Mitchell quickly alerted his contacts in the industry and discovered he isn’t the only Kiwi to have lost money.

“I have heard of other dealers

The trusted voice of the auto industry for more than 25 yearsIssue 16-2015

5 September 2015

In this issuep9 Dealer’s identity hijacked

p10 Turbo range revved up

p14 Ford opens parts centre

p16 Green policies in Japan

p23 Weak dollar hits buying

p25 Record sales expected

Specialised training that’s

proven toincrease profits

Dealerships feeling pressure

www.autofile.co.nz

The chairman of Colonial Motor Company (CMC) has warned the automotive

market is easing back with pressure being put on dealers’ margins.

Jim Gibbons says economic conditions – such as the drop in forecasted pay-outs to dairy farmers – are also being felt, although he is confident CMC will tackle future challenges.

The Wellington-based company has returned preliminary net profits before tax of $24.35 million for the 12 months ending June 30, which is a decrease of about 9.3 per cent from $27.95m compared to 2013/14.

Its total operating revenues climbed to $789.38m from $699.31m while profits for the period came in at $18.71m – down from $20.21m.

Gibbons notes: “The strong

growth of past years has eased. In this market, margins are tighter putting pressure on our car dealerships.

“Sales and profitability of heavy trucks remain strong with continuing forward orders. Tractors have been adversely affected by the declining dairy pay-out.

“The outlook is for a less favourable environment with a

[continued on page 6]

[continued on page 4]

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editor’s note

Get ready to shop until you dropThe government has copped

out of making a half-decent decision about what

Michael Woodhouse, Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety, describes as this country’s “arbitrary” Easter Sunday trading restrictions.

Opting to delegate decision-making powers to councils, that’s to say what businesses within their boundaries or specific areas can open and when, will see a continuation of the current hotchpotch.

At the moment, public holidays are observed on Good Friday and Easter Monday, while the Friday and Sunday have restricted trading.

However, some tourist destinations – such as Taupo and Queenstown – have historical exemptions, while others – for example, Wanaka and Rotorua – do not.

The law as it stands allows certain businesses selling specific items, such as dairies and service stations, to remain open while others must shut up shop.

Many retailers have welcomed the proposal, but some unions are unhappy about the loss of guaranteed days off for workers. When it comes to employees on low and minimum wages, I’m with the unions on this one.

People in retail deserve to know there are a few days of the year when shops aren’t permitted to open, and can put up their feet or plan some family time with certainty.

Perhaps the wider issue is what does all of this say about us as a society that we need to shop until we drop? Surely we can cope with closed signs being up a few times a year.

Woodhouse says the new legislation is unlikely to come into effect until 2017 and will give opportunities for employees to decline work “with no reason necessary”, but we all know what

happens in the real world will be somewhat different.

He adds the guaranteed day off on Easter Sunday isn’t paid unless workers take annual leave and that will remain unchanged.

Apparently, “this acknowledges Easter Sunday’s continued status as a day of significance and maintains the ability of workers to take a period of leave over the Easter holiday if they choose”.

Retail New Zealand has welcomed the announcement, but reckons the government should go further because “outdated 1989 legislation” tries to ban in-store shopping on certain days while ignoring the fact consumers can do so online 24/7.

Its chief executive, Mark Johnston, describes shopping nowadays as a family pastime – another pretty sad state of affairs in my book.

The Council of Trade Unions stresses the proposed changes will remove one of only three-and-a-half guaranteed statutory days off in addition to four weeks of annual leave.

Perhaps the current laws are contradictory and confusing, but that isn’t going to change and it doesn’t matter what side of the fence you sit on.

As well as councils making their own decisions, the government’s differentiation between Good Friday and Easter Sunday appears to be another arbitrary distinction.

As far as car dealers are concerned, they will open up? When it comes to franchises, that decision may come down to what the new vehicle distributors want.

What competitors do will also be a factor, especially for used car dealers with the domino effect likely to come into play – as soon as the first one goes down, the rest follow.

Enjoy a long weekend next Easter. It could well be your last.Darren Risby, editor

Editor

Darren Risby editor@autofile.co.nz 021 137 5430

AdvErtising

Brian McCutcheon brian@autofile.co.nz 021 455 775

JournAlist & onlinE producEr

Cameron Carpenter cameron@autofile.co.nz

dEsignEr

Adrian Payne arpayne@gmail.com

Autofile magazine is also available online as a readable file or downloadable as a PDF. Subscriptions are available at Autofile Online – www.autofile.co.nz. Back copies are also available on the website.

Copyright: Published twice monthly by 4Media Ltd, PO Box 6222, Dunedin 9059.

All statements made, although based on information believed to be accurate and reliable, cannot be guaranteed, and no liability can be accepted for any errors or omissions. Reproduction of Autofile in print or digital format in whole or part without written permission, whether by copying or any other means, is strictly forbidden. All rights reserved.

ISSN 0112-3475 (print) ISSN 2350-3181 (online)

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4 www.autofile.co.nz

an increasingly stretched market.“The second half of the financial

year accounted for 49 per cent of total profit compared to 53 per cent last year. The result, while down on last year, is ahead of 2013.

“Revenue was up by 13 per cent, primarily driven from the new

dealerships. Headline numbers of new light-vehicle registrations have remained high, underpinned by increased rental car sales.”

CARS BOOST REVENUEMotors led the way in Trade Me’s classified divisions thanks to a 24 per cent lift in revenue compared to a year ago.

This was boosted by a full-year contribution from the MotorWeb, which was acquired in December 2013, while Trade Me Motors “continues to be the market leader in its automotive category”.

Its motors, property and jobs divisions “grew well” with combined revenue up by 16 per cent to $99.6m.

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lower exchange rate, dairy pay-out and general confidence.

“However, not all areas of the economy are adversely affected and the company has a long record of adapting to changing circumstances.”

He reports that Southern Autos – Manukau, CMC’s new dealership that sells Peugeot and Citroen cars and Isuzu light commercials, recently moved into new company-owned premises on Great South Road.

“This completes a two-year redevelopment of the site, which started with the new Mazda showroom,” says Gibbons. “Nearby extensions to Southpac Trucks’ facilities are also nearing completion with a rebuild of the parts showroom and sales facility.

“Work has started on building a new service outlet on company-owned land near the airport for South Auckland Ford and Mazda.”

[continued from page 1]

Jon Macdonald, chief executive officer, reports “encouraging progress” over the past 12 months for the internet-based company.

“We’ve been improving products, making investments and strengthening our teams,” he says. “Our efforts are starting to deliver

returns and we are confident about opportunities in front of us.”

Overall, Trade Me’s net profits came in at $80.2m during 2014/15, which was up from $80.1m. Revenues rose by 11 per cent to $199.7m.

Expenses jumped by 25 per cent to $64.5m, which Macdonald describes as “substantial” while noting there will be less cost growth in 2015/16.

“The main contributors to the increase were our new businesses of LifeDirect, MotorWeb and Paystation,” he explains. “The remainder of expense increase was in new staff costs to speed up our product development and additional marketing.”

CMC has entered into an unconditional sale of its property occupied by Capital City Motors on the corner of Taranaki and Jessie Streets in Wellington.

The company will lease back the site for two years while alternative facilities are found with settlement

being finalised on August 31.Gibbons says its new Jeff

Gray BMW and Mini dealerships have made a small, but positive, contribution in their first year.

Commenting on CMC’s 2014/15 results, he adds: “Profitability held up well in most areas in the face of

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Companies report mixed results

RECORD profits have been notched up by the Australian company that owns four dealerships in New Zealand.

Net post-tax profits of Automotive Holdings Group (AHG) were AUS$88.1 million – up by 20.8 per cent on 2013/14. It also recorded a 10.8 per cent hike of AU$5.2 billion in revenue.

Bronte Howson, managing director, says the industry’s outlook remains strong with the company well-positioned for expansion.

Its businesses in this country – John Andrew Ford, North Harbour Ford, Davie Motors and Manukau

Nissan – “recorded improved performances”.

AHG’s combined car and truck sales on these shores and across the Tasman rose by 12 per cent to 12,274 units in 2014/15 with used cars accounting for more than one-third of them.

It sold 6,225 more used cars to June 30 compared to new car sales growth of more than 1,500 units, while revenue from its automotive retail division climbed by 10 per cent to AU$4.3b.

Visit www.autofile.co.nz for more information on companies’ financial reports.

Vehicle volumes jump

“Not all areas of the economy are adversely affected and the company has a long record of adapting.”

– Jim Gibbons, chairman of CMC

www.autofile.co.nz 5

cent not owned by Heartland and $500,000 in restructuring expenses.

Major balance-sheet movements included strong growth in its business and rural divisions – up by $122.7m and $77.5m respectively.

Other rises were in the consumer division with the motor-vehicle book up by $90.5m, and an increase in cash, cash equivalents and investments from $276.2m to $366.4m.

The business division’s net operating

income (NOI) was $42m – up by $5.1m – with net receivables jumping by 18 per cent to $792m with $32.8m driven by lending through Harmoney.

Rural NOI was $24m for an increase of $1.2m. Early settlements were lower as this division completed the exit of loans either with higher risk or in areas

t The company now has 464 staff or 437 full-time equivalents (FTEs), which is up from 332 FTEs a year ago.

Trade Me Insurance was launched on August 14. “We believe it is New Zealand’s most comprehensive online offering to get a quote, buy insurance, make a claim and manage a policy.”

In January 2015, Trade Me secured a 14.1 per cent stake for $7.7m in Harmoney. “We see it as a great fit and see potential for peer-to-peer lending to work well in New Zealand,” notes Macdonald.

In September 2014, it acquired Paystation, a Wellington-based online credit-card processing and payments gateway to “help us make trading faster and easier”.

Trade Me has consolidated its presence in Wellington by moving to a new building in Market Lane having previously had teams in four different locations in the capital, while its staff in Auckland moved into city-centre premises in December 2014.

Looking ahead, Macdonald says

Trade Me is set to deliver similar revenue expansion in 2015/16 with lower expense growth than in the past 12 months in percentage terms.

PROFITS BANKEDHeartland NZ has announced net profits after tax (NPAT) of $48.2m for the year ending June 30 – up by 34 per cent from 2013/14.

“Excellent growth was achieved across the core consumer, business and rural divisions,” says Jeff Greenslade, chief executive officer.

The reporting period included some pre-tax non-recurring items excluded from May’s guidance figures.

These included the $1m revaluation up of its investment in Harmoney, $300,000 in reassessing the carrying value of Marac on acquiring the remaining 50 per

overlapping with the major banks. “Given heightened market

interest in the dairy sector, Heartland advised on July 30 that exposure to dairy is 7.6 per cent of its total lending book,” says Greenslade.

“Heartland expects a continuation of lower than historical higher milk pay-out levels followed by a slow recovery. This will lead to an increase in farmers making operating losses.”

During the current reporting period, Heartland acquired about 10 per cent of Harmoney.

The latter’s lending model “is complementary to Heartland’s strategy of occupying leading positions in niche markets through specialist products different to mainstream banks”.

As for group strategy, the focus is on maximising “existing strengths and efficiencies as well as exploring new growth opportunities”.

Heartland anticipates NPAT for the year ending June 30, 2016, to be $51m-$55m excluding any capital management initiatives.

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6 www.autofile.co.nz

in Christchurch and a number in Auckland who seem to have been scammed too,” he says. “The discs just don’t appear to work.”

Dozens of people around the world claim they have lost money to the company.

An investigation by Autofile reveals the person running it is known by various online identities, and operates a number of sites claiming to sell after-market car parts and software systems.

The website states he is an Australian reseller, but appears to be based in Boston, England. The company has even allegedly taken on the name of a dealership across the ditch to sell car parts.

“The authorities in Australia cannot do anything if the site is based in the UK even though the bank account is in Sydney,” says Mitchell. “Because the amounts are small, the police there appear to be unprepared to do anything.”

Malcom Yorston, the IMVIA’s technical services and membership manager, says: “This case does appear to be a scam, so traders need to be careful when looking at who they are dealing with before they part with their money.”

He stresses there are plenty of good after-market parts companies in New Zealand and many of them use suppliers that also provide original equipment for vehicle manufacturers.

“If car dealers use reputable companies, they will not experience issues with sub-standard parts and systems, which can be the case if they use dubious internet-based suppliers,” says Yorston.

“There needs to be due diligence

before committing to buying products to ensure they are fit for purpose because there are plenty of other scams out there as well.

“As far as after-market parts are concerned, importers of used cars should stick to established companies based in this country, which have good reputations for providing good-quality products to the used car industry.

“In many cases, these companies also supply the overall automotive industry as well and use the same manufacturers that supply original equipment manufacturers [OEMs].

“Dealers should work on establishing supply lines with

Avoid ‘dubious’ online suppliers

A screenshot of www.navigationau.com

[continued from page 1]

“It was obviously a copied disc he put a sticker on. He claimed it was genuine, but there was no genuine data on it.”

The emails between him and the company have been supplied to Autofile, and cover various exchanges from May 9-11 about how to pay.

For example, he inquired if he could settle his account using PayPal and the answer was no.

When he asked for the physical address of the company’s bank, replies included the bank has “branches in each single suburb” and “we had a lot of NZ customers but no one [has] requested the branch address”.

On May 13, the director of the company in Christchurch asked if the money had shown up in Navigation Systems Australia’s account, to which the reply was “the disc has been sent”.

It hadn’t arrived by May 20 when he was told “delivery takes 10-15 working days”. When it eventually did, it didn’t work.

His email of June 16 states: “When I put the disc in my car, it just says ‘please insert navigation medium’ on the screen. If I can’t get it working, I would like a refund.”

The reply asked: “Have you pass [sic] through the country coding and adaptation [sic] after the car has been imported to NZ.”

Three days later, he emailed back: “I have put another disc into the unit and that works perfectly, so there’s nothing wrong with the stereo. As you have sold me a product that doesn’t work, I am entitled to a refund.

“I would appreciate a reply on

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the likes of Repco, Partmaster, BNT and so on.”

The director of an after-market and car stereo company, who preferred not to be named, has also tried trading with www.navigationau.com.

“Nobody else could supply us with the disc we needed and this company assured us it had the software,” he says.

“We couldn’t buy the genuine software through Audi because the car was imported from the UK.

“The minute I got the disc I knew there was something wrong. I sent an email outlining my concerns about it being a scam, but didn’t hear anything back.

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www.autofile.co.nz 7[continued on page 8]

t

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this matter as I have since spoken to another customer of yours who purchased a similar product supposed to work in his Jaguar. His disc didn’t work either.”

The emails received by the Kiwi businessman came from a Hotmail account with three different names of people from “customer support” listed on them.

He is unlikely to get his money back, but has a warning for other people in the automotive industry. “When you are buying online you may not know who you are buying from, so be careful.”

Dozens of other disgruntled customers of Navigation Systems Australia can be found via online forums, such as www.bmwforums.com.au and www.bimmerforums.com.

Comments include: “Website looks like it was made in MS FrontPage. I also could not locate a company name or ABN – avoid.”

Others are: “The disc I received has ‘DVD’ on the label but is actually an inkjet-printer burnt CD-R with no instructions” and “I have voiced my displeasure in the way our dealership [in Australia] and my name have been used fraudulently.”

These are in stark contrast to the “feedback section” for customers on www.navigationau.com, such as “excellent communication, super-fast delivery and a great product” and “very reliable business”.

The website also states: “For after-sale technical support, please call our independent technician.”

Autofile contacted the phone number given and was told by a man, who declined to give his name, that complaints about the company would have to directed via its website.

“I am happy to help with technical questions,” he said. “Otherwise you will have to contact them directly.

“I will not give you my name because that will not help you.”

Autofile has contacted the company via an online inquiry form and has also emailed the Hotmail address, but has yet to receive a reply.

The magazine has passed its file on www.navigationau.com and Navigation Systems Australia to enforcement authorities across the Tasman, which are aware of other complaints about them.

However, because the website is based offshore there is little that can be done. Such cases can also be referred to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, which liaises with similar agencies based in other countries.

For scams in New Zealand, email details to scam@reportscam.co.nz and visit www.

consumeraffairs.govt.nz/scams for information

on how to protect your business.

If you have been the victim of a scam, email editor@

autofile.co.nz so the wider

industry can be alerted.

PARTS IMPORTERS NEEDAfter-market parts and systems required by importers of used cars coming into New Zealand can be broken down in two main areas.

They are those required for compliance purposes, while others are often needed or requested by would-be buyers.

On the compliance side, Yorston says many car dealers need to source after-market parts for vehicles’ braking systems, such as hoses, pipes, pads, shoes, drums and rotors, and control units and transducers.

Then there are steering and suspension joints and arms, seatbelts, tyres, light bulbs, power-steering pump drive belts, shock absorbers, steering racks, exhaust system components, and engine and transmission mountings.

As for getting used imports ready for sale in the Kiwi market, common items include radios with this country’s frequencies. Some

Scam website tips

If a website looks dodgy, it generally is.

Do an internet search for the company name and site, and look for

negative reviews.Don’t reply to messages asking for personal or financial information.

You can use www.whois to verify website

addresses.

8 www.autofile.co.nz

“These include counterfeits that combine designs of two products or counterfeits that copy only part of the structure of a certain device,” says JAMA.

“As a result, these goods are being sold on the market and are difficult to identify as counterfeits at a glance.”

In the lead-up to establishing the ASEAN Economic Community this year, countries in the region have adopted an action plan.

In addition to supporting these efforts, JAMA engages in policy discussions and information sharing with the Federation of Asian Motorcycle Industries, and has been working to educate governments and industry stakeholders.

Discussions about intellectual property rights are also under way at the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement.

JAMA hopes a common understanding on the protection of these rights will not only be promoted in the ASEAN region, but also in countries such as India and China.

because they also supply the OEMs, and they don’t want to compromise the quality or integrity of their products.

“What can be accessed out of China can be brilliant, but this depends on how much is paid for items and their quality.

“A lot of the bigger and mainstream big-box retailers in New Zealand are just interested in driving down prices.

“If they pay $5 for an article from a manufacturer instead of $10 for a better one, there can be a major difference in how it performs – to the detriment of the consumer.”

JAMA says that when intellectual property rights are not protected and counterfeit goods spread, the value of original products decline.

“Automobiles and two-wheel vehicles bear names for each model and incorporate emblems visible from the exterior, such as the corporate logo,” says a

spokesman for JAMA. “Beyond what you can see, there are also copyrighted internal features, including various systems and other components.

“Many manufacturers have had corporate logos, model names and even designs of entire vehicles

copied in the past. “Furthermore,

counterfeit service parts – such as oil and air filters that can only be detected by experts – are now openly sold.

“The distribution of counterfeit goods not only causes losses to companies, but also can directly disadvantage customers.

“Performance can be negatively affected by fake parts. Malfunctions caused by inferior parts during the operation of vehicles also carry the risk of serious accidents.”

In recent years, governments have increasingly realised the damage counterfeiting causes and have cracked down on fake goods, but imitations are becoming increasing sophisticated.

[continued from page 7]

Using quality products essentialafter-market specialists can supply radio systems with the correct satellite navigation already installed.

“The main difference between different jurisdictions is that European-made cars tend to need brake rotors more than Japanese imports,” says Yorston.

“The Europeans may use softer steel than manufacturers in Japan where they opt for harder steel or iron that doesn’t wear as much.

“There may be a trade-off between the two with European cars having higher performance in this respect.”

AVOID FAKE PRODUCTSThe Japan Automobiles Manufacturers Association (JAMA) is taking action to mitigate the effects of counterfeit products on the market and consumers.

It cites one example as oil filters that may not perform correctly and exacerbate engine wear because they fail to do the job.

“Filters have been mainly packaged to appear as though they are from OEMs,” says Yorston.

“But established suppliers cannot and wouldn’t do this

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A global recall has been announced for Volvo’s 2016 XC90, pictured, to fix

a faulty interior trim panel.The delivery of 34 SUVs in

transit and at dealerships has been temporarily suspended, and 12 affected owners in this country have been notified.

No incidents relating to the issue have taken place, but the panel may interfere with how side-curtain airbags in the third seat row deploy and they may not function as intended until modified.

Steve Kenchington, general manager of Volvo Cars NZ, says repairs will take 20-30 minutes.

He adds: “We are committed to ensuring Volvo remains at the forefront of vehicle safety and

are doing everything possible to ensure minimal disruption to customers.”

Model called back

“Counterfeit parts that can only be detected by experts are openly sold.”

– JAMA

www.autofile.co.nz 9

Dealer’s identity used in scamThe police are warning car

traders and the public to be aware of a scam being

operated from overseas.Someone claiming to be Andrew

Graham, managing director of Stadium Cars in Dunedin, has been emailing people selling cars on third-party websites to ask for account details and offering to buy them.

The aim of the scam is unclear, but the banking information has been requested for deposits to be made in cases police are aware of.

Emails have been sent out from a Gmail address under the name of “Andrew Graeme” and include how to ship them.

The surname is an alternative spelling of Graham’s, while emails from him or his team are sent from “@stadiumcars.co.nz” addresses.

He became aware his identity had been hijacked at the end of September when would-be victims phoned him.

“This is new territory for us because nothing like this has happened before,” Graham told Autofile. “The integrity of our systems and software is intact, but my personal identity has been copied.

“In the past, people got letters saying they have won $8 million in a lottery or a long-lost relative has left them money. These

emails are a different way of doing that sort of thing.”

He adds there appears little the police can do – other than alerting Interpol – because the scam originates from Indonesia.

People who contacted Graham about the emails have been “pretty sure it was a scam” with their dubious nature emphasised by the use of a Gmail account.

“This sort of thing can easily happen and we’ve done nothing different to what other car dealers do,” says Graham, who warns if something looks too good to be true, it probably is.

As reported by Autofile Online in April, Peter McCracken, of Rob McLellan Motors, has been targeted in a similar way. Also based in Dunedin, he received calls from about 30 people about fake emails with some being ripped off.

Police advice is to ask for as much information as possible when buying and selling items.

If someone claims to be from a bona-fide company but the email address doesn’t look official, this should be confirmed by calling the business’ number in the phone book or on its website.

People who have received the scam emails or fallen victim to them should call Dunedin police on (03) 471-4800.

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news

Andrew Graham outside his dealership in Dunedin

10 www.autofile.co.nz

new cars

Exchange rate lowers pricesSubaru of New Zealand is

expecting sharper pricing to attract more buyers to its

updated SUV range. The marque has released

five models of its 2015 Forester, which include an automatic diesel option.

Managing director Wallis Dumper says the previous strength of the kiwi dollar against the yen has helped to lower price-tags for stock made in Japan.

Some Forester models have been reduced by $5,000. They are the entry-level 2.5i at $39,990, 2.5i Premium from $49,990 and the turbocharged two-litre XT Premium at $54,990.

Others benefit from $3,000 decreases. These are the mid-range 2.5i Sport at $44,990 and the two-litre diesel at $46,990.

“We want our genuine SUV to be

more competitive with many of the two-wheel-drive [2WD] wannabe crossovers,” Dumper adds.

“It is crazy that ‘pretender’ 2WD SUVs have become so popular, especially in New Zealand where one-third of all our roads are unsealed.”

All Foresters have lineartronic automatic transmissions while

there are optional steering column paddle-shifters for manual control.

Along with less noise, the SUV’s fuel consumption has improved to 5.9l/100km on the combined cycle with all of the petrol variants benefitting from fuel-saving automatic stop-start technology.

Revised interior trim and exterior features add freshness,

and the Forester has the same infotainment system with

a seven-inch screen as in the recently launched

Outback. Both Premium

models boast satellite navigation, one-touch lane changers, new heater controls and

air-vent designs, shark-fin antenna and daytime

running lamps. The X-mode all-

wheel-drive assist system helps out motorists on steeper terrain and comes as standard, while all variants’ off-road capability is bolstered with 220mm of ground clearance.

The Forester has a five-star ANCAP safety rating thanks in part to its seven airbags, vehicle dynamic control and a rigid passenger safety cell.

The 2015 Subaru Forester

Lexus is increasing its turbo-engine line-up by launching the IS 200t sports

sedan towards the end of this year. It will be the second vehicle to

feature the marque’s new two-litre powerplant.

“This advanced engine was already proving to be popular in the NX 200t,” says Spencer Morris, Lexus NZ’s general manager of product.

The engine boasts performance and efficiency features, such as D-4ST fuel injection, a water-cooled cylinder head, integrated exhaust manifold and twin-scroll turbocharger.

Its variable-valve timing system delivers enhanced fuel economy by allowing it to switch between

the Otto and Atkinson cycles. The engine delivers 180kW of

power and 350Nm of torque to drive the rear wheels via an eight-speed sport direct-shift gearbox.

The transmission also varies gear shifts in accordance with g-forces. It automatically downshifts during hard braking before a corner, holds a lower gear through turns for the best control and then selects the most suitable gear on exit to provide greater throttle response.

The IS 200t will replace the V6-powered IS 250 when it arrives on these shores in the last quarter of 2015 when local pricing and specifications will be announced.

Turbo offering revved up

Lexus’ IS 200t

Nationwide delivery with depots in: Auckland Palmerston North Napier Wellington Christchurch Dunedin

‘Our Service, Your Solution’

Phone: 09 622 0909 www.autologistics.kiwi

SPeCiAliSt ServiCeS transporting all types of vehicles vehicle storage

enclosed transporters vehicle distribution management MPi & Customs Facilities Security & confidentiality

www.autofile.co.nz 11

new cars

Toyota says its 2015 Aurion boasts an improved line-up with

more specification, safety and sports detailing.

The V6 sedan’s new grille design compliments the black lower-grille bars, while the sports-themed Sportivo SX6 and ZR6 feature makeovers of their lower rear bumpers.

The rear-spoiler design for both Sportivo grades has also been updated for a more advanced appearance.

There are revamped wheels for all models – 10-spoke 17-inch alloys on the AT-X, and gloss black 18-inch alloys on the SX6 and ZR6.

The AT-X joins the other two models in receiving smart keyless entry and start technology, while the fabric trim in its cabin has been upgraded.

All 2015 Aurions have high-contrast dual-ring combination meters with 4.2-inch displays.

The AT-X and SX6 have upgraded deluxe display audio systems, which include Bluetooth hands-free, audio-streaming capabilities, and USB

and auxiliary-input jacks. The ZR6 has a 10-speaker touchscreen system with satellite navigation.

The range is powered by Toyota’s 3.5-litre six-cylinder dual VVT-i petrol engine with maximum power of 200kW and 336Nm of torque.

A six-speed automatic gearbox with sequential shift for greater flexibility is augmented in the SX6 and ZR6 by paddle shifters.

All models come with seven airbags, including driver and front passenger, driver’s knee, front seat side and curtain airbags.

They have ABS, traction and vehicle stability control, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist and rear-parking sensors.

The windscreen is made with an acoustic green shade laminate to help mitigate sun strike and minimise noise.

Every seating position features three-point emergency locking retractor seatbelts, while the rear seat has three integrated tether anchors for child seats.

The 2015 Aurion range is available now at Toyota dealers and starts at $45,980, plus on-road costs.

Specification boosted in range

The Aurion Sportivo ZR6

12 www.autofile.co.nz

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Warning over system cards

Inland Revenue has applied to place into liquidation a dealership that advertised

itself as “the first car supermarket in New Zealand and largest one-site car sales operation in Australasia”.

The application against Lower Hutt-based Car Giant was filed on July 27.

The matter is expected to have its first call on the associate judges’ liquidation list on September 8, the high court in Wellington confirms.

A notice placed on the Petone dealership’s website, which no longer lists any stock, directs people to get in touch with “100 per cent owner Alex Knowles”, who is based in the US, and to “contact AKMT Ltd or Super Save Ltd both jointly owned by Alex Knowles and Michael Thompson”.

Autofile phoned the Super Save number given on Car Giant’s home page on September 2 and was told Thompson wasn’t there. A message

was left asking him to contact the magazine.

Car Giant’s website still states: “You have hundreds of cars on one site to choose from, plus many more held by our supplier or on the water and due here soon.”

It says that’s “many times” what the average car dealer carries and, in addition to “massive choice”,

the site lists the company’s other points of difference as transparent information, no-hassle buying, low no-gaggle prices and a five-day return policy.

Hutt City Council confirms it issued a building consent on July 30 to demolish the premises on Western Hutt Road where Car Giant is located.

The Imported Motor Vehicle Industry Association (IMVIA) has

flagged up an issue with Nissan Leafs.

It reports some of the electric vehicles brought into this country have arrived minus their secure digital (SD) cards, which is essential for operating radios and other features in cars.

SD cards are vehicle-specific. If they go missing, the complete console will need to be sent to Japan for a new card to be supplied.

The IMVIA recommends that Kiwi importers instruct their Japanese agents to obtain them for Leafs and other models that rely on them.

The association adds they should be despatched separately by international courier to avoid “the expensive hassle of replacing a missing SD card”.

Business faces liquidation

A screenshot of part of Car Giant’s home page taken on September 2

www.autofile.co.nz 13

news

Re-evaluating requirements for Japanese two-digit Euros

these requirements were met at production, other requirements might not have been and therefore manufacturers were unable to formally certify vehicles as EURO 4.”

After lengthy discussions, close scrutiny of the emissions rule and NZTA assistance, AUTOHUB realised vehicles were not actually required to be formally certified as EURO 4, but they had to be certified to a standard covering both EURO 3 and 4 – as well as meeting EURO 4 limit values at the time of build.

As far as New Zealand importers are concerned, Barnett says: “With the data lodged on the German database and accessed by TÜV SÜD, we can identify if vehicles meet emissions-limit values while only being formally certified to a lower standard at point of production.”

Cars that AUTOHUB’s process has been able to prove as meeting the new interpretation of the rules include Minis and BMW X3s, but there is opportunity to expand to some earlier models from Mercedes-Benz, Ford, Opel, Peugeot, Renault and more.

“AUTOHUB can give build standard information on high-volume European marques, such Volkswagen, Audi, Ford, Peugeot, Renault, Opel, Citroën and so on,” says Barnett.

“We are also able to supply information on models from BMW, Mini, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Aston Martin, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Jaguar, Land Rover, Saab, Skoda and Volvo.

“We also have contacts with some commercial-vehicle manufacturers and can supply information on their models.

“Generally, if it is European with a 17-digit VIN number, we can try to get data for dealers.”

AUTOHUB’s online application process has three simple steps:

1 Log onto www.autohub.co.nz/nz/compliance-applications.

2 Click on the green box for either an emission certificate or a full statement of compliance if you need to prove more than just emission standards.

3 Complete the online form and upload the requested documents.

When AUTOHUB receives confirmation of a vehicle being EURO 4 – generally within 24 working hours – it will invoice the dealer for the certificate.

There is no application fee because the dealer is only charged if a certificate can be produced.

The company also supplies certificates for 17-digit European vehicles from Singapore, Hong Kong, the UK and other markets.

AUTOHUB HAS BEEN WORKING hard for importers of two-digit European vehicles from Japan.

The logistics company wants to clarify many of the myths and uncertainties around these cars, and the process when applying for and obtaining certificates.

Joe Barnett, of AUTOHUB, says since he developed the process with the NZTA almost four years ago, other suppliers have entered the market after gaining authority to provide similar products.

However, he stresses not all can supply information on every manufacturer of European vehicles because AUTOHUB uses information from homologation data and type approval.

This is stored on databases accessed in Germany by its partner TÜV SÜD, and refers to specific VIN numbers and sequences.

“It means we can supply information on all mainstream European manufacturers’ vehicles and some other marques’ models with 17-digit VINs sold in Europe,” explains Barnett.

“We don’t have a list of all cars that comply because ultimately they are proved on a case-by-case basis by specific VIN numbers and emission certificates must show those numbers.

“In saying that, we’ve been doing this for about four years and have a database of almost 10,000 vehicles identified as meeting required standards, so a call to Karen or I will normally give reasonable

confidence to the importer.”The requirements are now

better understood after AUTOHUB sought NZTA clarification around specific build requirements.

“It became obvious that many cars – although their specific emission-certification data met EURO 4 emission values – had only been identified as lower standard by the manufacturer, so we asked why,” says Barnett.

“Everything in EURO 4 relates to emissions, but not everything relates to emissions-test output values at time of build. While

‘‘We can supply build standards information for all later-model mainstream European brands. ’’

Joe Barnett, AUTOHUB

GLOBAL VEHICLE LOGISTICS

NZ - JAPAN - AUSTRALIA - UK - EUROPE

SERIOUS A B O U T SUppORt

Get in touchJoe Barnett

joe@autohub.co.nz or 027 777 5616

Karen Barnett karen@autohub.co.nz or 021 0268 7060

Visit www.autohub.co.nz to find out more

14 www.autofile.co.nz

Marque seeks alternatives to Takata parts for airbagsToyota Motor Corporation is testing airbag inflators made by Nippon Kayaku and Swedish company Autoliv as possible alternatives to parts supplied by Takata.

The marque will ensure they are compatible with its vehicles before using them. “We need to test them to ensure they are safe,” says a spokesman.

Toyota is one of several manufacturers trying to come up with options to Takata’s inflators, which have been linked to eight deaths worldwide and more than 100 injuries after exploding with excessive force and spraying shrapnel inside vehicles.

Tens of millions of cars made by more than 10 marques have been recalled since 2008 over safety concerns linked to the airbags.

Toyota may buy 13 million inflators from Nippon Kayaku to reduce its risk from Takata’s inflators. It already uses inflators by Daicel, while Autoliv supplies parts to Honda.

Right-hand-drive version of supercar to go global The first VUHL 05 lightweight supercar designed and built in Mexico, which may be seen on roads and tracks around the world in the future, has been delivered.

The vehicle caused a stir when it took part in the annual hill climb at Goodwood Festival of Speed in England two years ago with Formula One’s Esteban Gutiérrez behind the wheel.

The interest this created is close to being satisfied with the first right-hand-drive model passing its individual vehicle approval.

The VUHL 05, pictured, weighs just 695kg thanks to its all-carbon body. It boasts a 213kW version of Ford’s two-litre turbocharged EcoBoost engine to make the 0-100kph dash in 3.5 seconds. It has a top speed of about 240kph.

Distribution base to improve servicing at franchisesFord NZ has opened a new national parts distribution centre in Auckland to make it easier for customers to service their vehicles at dealerships.

The ribbon to the facility in East Tamaki was cut on August 17 with Graeme Whickman, chief executive officer of Ford Australia and New Zealand, and John Cooper, vice-president of customer service for Asia-Pacific, attending.

The centre’s project team has replaced its materials handling equipment fleet system, which now comes with wireless management.

It collates real-time data on productivity, utilisation, energy and servicing requirements. Visit www.autofile.co.nz for the full story.

Swedes and Chinese team up to make electric vehiclesDongfeng and National Electric Vehicle Sweden (NEVS), which bought Saab’s bankrupt assets in 2012, have signed a joint-venture agreement.

NEVS says the project will focus on “new energy vehicles”, a term used in China to refer to electric cars and plug-in hybrids.

It will support Dongfeng to develop its own branded vehicles for overseas markets. The agreement also allows NEVS’ planned factory in China to draw on its partner’s huge supplier network.

Dongfeng has a 14 per cent stake in PSA/Peugeot-Citroen, and joint ventures in China with Nissan, Renault, Honda and Kia.

NEWs in brief

To adverTise here, conTacT:

Vehicles wanted

advertising@autofile.co.nz or ph 021 455 775

dealers Buying now

Contact Gareth 021660180 gareth@southcitymotors.co.nz www.317.co.nz

Buying: Vans, Utes, Light Trucks. Nationwide.

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Farmer AutovillAge® We like cars.But we love drivers.

General manager on board

An industry organisation focused on promoting the uptake of electric

vehicles (EVs) has taken on a general manager.

Eric Pyle will continue as chief executive of the NZ Wind Energy Association in addition to his part-time role with Drive Electric.

There are now about 740 EVs registered in this country – a figure that has doubled in the past year.

Globally, there are almost one million EVs and this sector’s year-on-year growth rate sits as more than 70 per cent.

“It’s an exciting time to be joining the industry,” adds Pyle, pictured.

“With our high proportion of renewable energy, and an equivalent fuel cost of 30 cents per litre, EVs make sense for New Zealand.

“Drive Electric is working

closely with electricity retailers, lines companies and generator-retailers, and has seen its membership double in the

past few months. I’m greatly looking forward to helping continue this momentum.”

EVs are seen by some as a key to reducing this country’s CO₂ emissions, with

those from road transport sitting at about 40 per cent of New Zealand’s total of such pollution.

Mark Gilbert, chairman of Drive Electric, says: “We are thrilled to have Eric on board. He has a wealth of experience and contacts from the electricity sector.

“EVs are great from a number of perspectives. They reduce our national oil bill, improve air quality, improve health, reduce noise pollution and run on 100 per cent home-grown Kiwi energy that’s 80 per cent renewable.”

www.autofile.co.nz 15

miles motor groupPaul Curin 0274 333 303 pcurin@miles.co.nz

Toyota SUVs & UtesVehicles wanted

We are always looking to purchase late model NZ New cars aNd commercials

Hilux • Land Cruiser • Prado

lane-departure warning system.For the first time on a Mazda,

the MX-5’s steering system features double-pinion electric power-assist steering with a 4.3 per cent lower gear ratio for accurate feedback from the road surface.

The specially tuned SKYACTIV-G direct-injection petrol engines

Mazda says its all-new MX-5 delivers on many levels including from

how it performs through to design.The marque’s “proactive safety”

systems significantly reduce the potential for accidents, while the car is stronger and lighter than previous models.

Its SKYACTIV body structure features lightweight high-strength materials, a continuous framework and straight beams.

Unlike other Mazdas, the MX-5 lacks the uninterrupted ring structure joining the roof and B-pillars to the underbody to bolster side-impact protection.

Instead, a seatback cross-member has been added to connect the right and left sides at the rear edge of the side sills to help disperse side-impact energy throughout the body.

Passenger safety has been improved by introducing front and side airbags as standard.

The MX-5’s active bonnet automatically raises during impact to protect a pedestrian’s head by expanding the space between the bonnet and engine components.

The 1.5-litre GSX and two-litre Limited have blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the latter has high-beam control and a

Designed for safe performance

Lotus Motorsport has redefined the Exige V6 Cup by introducing a new model

with lightweight panels and an increase in power.

The Exige 360 Cup’s bespoke styling signals an evolution in design with an option of four body colours, and a matt black roof, front access panel and louvered tailgate.

It has a limited-edition run of 50 and each will receive a numbered build plate.

The car boasts a freer-flowing induction and sports exhaust system along with a low vehicle weight of 1,130kg. Powertrain updates provide a sportier sound.

It uses the V6 Cup’s track-proven aerodynamics package with an optimised front splitter, rear

diffuser and wing. Together with the flat underside, these aids offer 42kg of downforce at 160kph.

The 360 Cup, pictured below, has a lightweight bonded-aluminium chassis with double-wishbone suspension all around.

It is fitted with a two-way adjustable track suspension and a four-mode system with settings being drive, sport, race and off. It also has launch control.

Options include a red alcantara interior, adjustable anti-roll bars, Öhlins race dampers, fire extinguisher and electrical cut-off, carbon seats, air conditioning and a removable steering wheel.

The car’s availability for the New Zealand market has yet to be confirmed.

Aids boost downforce

new cars

feature a high 13.0:1 compression ratio with dual-sequential valve timing, multi-hole injectors and special piston cavities.

The 1.5-litre powerplant produces 96kW of power at 7,000rpm and 150Nm of torque at 4,800rpm.

The MX-5 arrives on the Kiwi market this month with a six-speed manual transmission.

The two-litre model, which will be available in New Zealand in early 2016, will have a choice of six-speed manual or six-speed automatic.

The MX-5 is the sixth model in Mazda’s line-up of new-generation vehicles. It is priced from $40,995, plus on-road costs.

The all-new MX-5

16 www.autofile.co.nz

Environmental initiatives on agendapast few years. They are attached to rear windows of cars, trucks and buses.

JAMA’s report goes on to highlight environmental requirements enacted through end-of-life vehicle recycling law, which has been in effect since January 2005.

Similar to the European Union, there are product stewardship requirements on automobile manufacturers and importers. These make them responsible for the recovery, recycling and appropriate disposal of fluorocarbons in air-conditioning units, airbags and automotive shredder residue.

Companies are also making major efforts to design and manufacture vehicles in accordance with the 3R principals – reduce, reuse and recycle – by using lightweight, high-strength materials that are easy to dismantle and recycle rather than taking them to landfill sites.

They are also making big

My previous article finished with information that Japanese automotive

manufacturers have been developing advanced technologies to reduce vehicle-exhaust emissions.

Also, Japan will adopt UN-ECE test cycles to measure emissions from heavy-duty diesel vehicles and petrol-powered passenger cars from 2016 and 2018 respectively.

A report published by the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) goes on to explain greater fuel efficiency and lower emissions are being promoted.

The focus is to counter global warming by reducing CO₂ and tailpipe emissions to lessen impacts on air quality – especially by lowering carbon monoxide and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) from petrol-powered vehicles, and NOx and particulate matter from diesels.

To increase public awareness in Japan of vehicles with better fuel efficiency and lower gaseous emissions, a campaign to identify them with appropriately coded stickers has been running for the

tech report

Another area touched on in JAMA’s report is vehicle-related taxation that incorporates nine different taxes. These are budgeted to cost Japanese motorists 8.3 trillion yen out of a projected tax-take of 93 trillion yen in 2015.

The government, however, is offering tax incentives to promote the wider use of “eco-friendly vehicles”. These include exemptions from acquisition tax for buyers of electric cars, plug-in hybrids, fuel-cell vehicles, and those powered by “clean diesel” and natural gas.

reductions in emissions during manufacturing processes, as well as lowering the amount of manufacturing waste that goes to landfills with only 400 tonnes being disposed of in this way in 2013.

This represents a 99.9 per cent decrease from 1990 and beats

2015’s target of 10,000 tonnes hands down.

Another environmental initiative is the reduction of automobile noise-level emissions from various sources, such as engine-induction, exhaust and cooling systems, powertrains, tyres, brakes and so on.

The Japanese government is working to update regulations in line with recommendations from a UN-ECE working party – the World Forum for Harmonisation of Vehicle Regulations.

Part of this is to reduce noise emissions to the low 80-decibels level – 82 for large vehicles and down to 73 for small motor-driven cycles.

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Coded stickers have been in use in Japan over the past few years to increase public awareness of vehicles with better fuel efficiency and lower emissions

For pETrol AND DiEsEl cArs For sMAll Trucks AND busEs up To 2.5 ToNNEs cErTiFicATioN For vEhiclEs WiTh loW EMissioNs

Active and passive safety featuresSafety systems are continually being developed and upgraded in Japan with more vehicles for its domestic market being equipped with advanced on-board active and passive features.

JAMA’s figures below cover cars produced and fitted with systems in 2013. These are just a few and are given as examples.

AcTivE sAFETy sysTEM % oF proDucTioN EquippED

Brake assist 95.6Power-window jamming 96.1High-intensity discharge headlamps 76.1

Back-up monitoring 66.7Electronic stability control 79.4Traction control with ABS 71.1Collision-mitigation braking 27.2

pAssivE sAFETy sysTEM

ISOFIX anchorage for child seats 95.6

Three-point seatbelt for centre-rear seat 84.7

Curtain airbags 74.4Side airbags 73.9Active head restraints 65.6

www.autofile.co.nz 17

*in August on Trade Me Motors

A u g u s ts t a t i s t i c s

Most popular car makes searched*

1 Toyota 2 Ford3 Nissan4 Holden5 Mazda

Most popular car models searched*1 Hilux2 Commodore3 Corolla4 Golf5 Falcon

Most popular body styles searched* 1 RV/SUV 2 Sedan 3 Hatchback 4 Station wagon5 Coupe

Most popular makes of motorbike searched*1 Honda 2 Harley-Davidson 3 Suzuki 4 Yamaha5 Kawasaki

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18 www.autofile.co.nz

disputes

BackgroundKelly Dowdell bought a 2005 Land Rover Discovery from Christchurch European for $35,000, but rejected it five months later on the grounds it had serious faults.

She wanted the tribunal to uphold her rejection under the CGA and applied for a refund, while the trader offered to repair the faults and denied they were serious.

The caseDowdell completed a short test drive before agreeing to buy the vehicle on September 6, 2014.

The car had a new WOF and 119,799km on the clock when she took possession of it two days later.

Dowdell said a tyre developed a slow leak on September 24 and the vehicle needed a wheel alignment. The $119 cost was reimbursed by the trader.

An engine warning light lit up during late October or in November. Two fault codes were discovered by the dealer’s repairer, Canterbury Landrover, on December 1.

One showed a problem with the evaporative emission valve and the other that the voltage was too low, so a replacement part was ordered from the UK.

On December 12, the air suspension’s light came on and the dealer covered the cost of pump repairs.

The Discovery wouldn’t start on December 27 and the starter motor’s solenoid was replaced – again at the trader’s cost.

On February 11, 2015, Dowdell

took the vehicle to Paul Kelly Motor Company to have it inspected. Its invoice showed the vehicle had clocked up 5,658km in the five months she had owned it.

It also stated both front-lower control-arm bushes and front-inner steering joints had excessive play, and the two front lower-outer ball joints had movement.

There was also an oil leak from the left-hand-side steering-rack boot area, a slight shudder when braking and a whine when the engine was in second gear. Paul Kelly quoted $2,000 plus GST to repair these faults.

The buyer sent the dealer an email on February 15 rejecting the vehicle for the reasons outlined in the invoice and because it failed to replace the valve.

The trader replied and asked her how the items referred to in her rejection email could be considered as grounds for rejection five months after purchase in a vehicle that had now travelled more than 110,000km.

The dealer asked Dowdell to contact Canterbury Landrover to fit the value, but she failed to do so.

She filed her application with the tribunal on March 12. Seven days later, she emailed the dealer and asked it to fix the faults that were listed in the invoice and fit the valve.

The trader replied by email on the same day agreeing to do so. It said it would obtain a new WOF

for the Discovery, and have Canterbury Landrover supply the parts and confirm when the work had been completed.

The buyer emailed the dealer concerned that it would arrange for a WOF to be done without attending to the faults.

The trader was unable to convince Dowdell that it would fix the items and she went ahead with her application.

The tribunal asked her to obtain a report on the vehicle from Archibalds Motors.

It stated there was play in the power steering, the right-hand inner tie-rod end was suspect, the front hydra bushes and front lower-ball joints were worn out, the left-front inner CV boot leaked grease, the negative battery terminal was in a poor condition and the right-hand rear tyre was worn.

A fault code was also found indicating the purge flow of the evaporative emission system had caused the engine-warning lamp to come on.

The findingThe tribunal considered the Discovery’s age, mileage and purchase price to determine if it was of acceptable quality when sold.

The faults uncovered by Paul Kelly and confirmed by Archibalds Motors indicated to the tribunal that over the course of 6,000km, the car had deteriorated quickly or a number of faults weren’t detected when it had its last WOF.

The case: The buyer wanted to

reject her car because she claimed

it had some major faults. The trader

offered to remedy the problems,

which it claimed were not classed

as serious under the Consumer

Guarantees Act (CGA).

The decision: The trader was

ordered by the tribunal to repair the

vehicle at its own cost and obtain a

new warrant of fitness (WOF) for it

issued by VTNZ.

At: The Motor Vehicle Disputes

Tribunal, Christchurch.

The ruling was that the vehicle didn’t comply with the CGA’s guarantee of acceptable quality because it wasn’t free of minor faults.

Also, it wasn’t as durable as a reasonable consumer would regard as acceptable for a car of its price even allowing for the “poor reputation for reliability” of an ageing Discovery.

The tribunal considered the fault with the emission valve wasn’t serious, while issues identified by Paul Kelly and Archibalds were WOF items but wouldn’t make the vehicle unsafe unless left unrepaired.

It said the buyer should have asked the trader to fix the faults identified by Paul Kelly when it inspected the car, and should have returned it to the trader to fit the valve and repair other items.

OrdersThe trader was told to carry out repairs at its own cost, and supply the buyer with repair invoices and a new WOF from VTNZ.

It also had to provide the purchaser with a loan car while the work was being done.

Trader told to repair vehicle, supply loan car and obtain warrant of fitness

From the rising sun to the long white cloud The history of used car importing to New Zealand

www.autofile.co.nz 19

disputes

BackgroundScott Hurrell and Lisa Towler bought a 2006 Mazda CX-7 station wagon from Indy Cars on May 24, 2014.

Their solicitor rejected it under the Consumer Guarantees Act (CGA) on March 3, 2015, due to major faults. The buyers wanted the trader to refund their purchase price.

The dealer said the faults weren’t serious and offered to repair them at its expense. It claimed the purchasers weren’t entitled to reject the car.

The caseThe couple paid $19,150 for the vehicle, which had 110,510km on its clock. They collected it on May 24 last year.

On July 15, the buyers noticed its carpets were damp. The cause was traced to a leaking seam in the fire wall and the trader covered the cost to fix it.

At the end of August and after 2,200km of use, the buyers noticed oil leaks and the engine check light had come on.

They took the vehicle to the trader’s mechanic, Showgrounds Auto Services (SAS), which said the fault was a stretched cam chain that was causing a rattle and slight knocking.

It found the variable-valve timing (VVT) actuator was faulty and replaced it, as well as the cam chain and engine oil.

The $2,306 bill was paid by Autosure under the purchasers’ warranty and by the trader.

In September, the CX-7 was returned to SAS to fix a fault, which

it had identified in August with the powertrain control module (PCM).

It also found a leak in the intake pipe to the front of the turbocharger and replaced the pipe. The $324 invoice was settled by the trader and Autosure.

On January 31, 2015, the engine light came on and the buyers took the car to Timaru Motors. Its invoice dated February 13 stated the vehicle had travelled 8,426km since purchase.

The company reported the engine and gearbox were “quite damp with oil”, and diagnosed the fault as “the transfer case needing shafts and seals”.

The repairs to the shafts and seals were estimated at $1,036.

Fault code P2187 and “engine lean at idle”, which caused an engine rattle under hard acceleration, were also reported.

After it was confirmed the buyers always used high-octane petrol, Timaru Motors said the CX-7 required a replacement PCM. The cost was estimated to be $2,064 and all repairs totalled $3,100.

The couple were then advised by a lawyer, who sent the dealer a letter on March 3 rejecting the car.

This stated: “Our clients believe they have given you adequate opportunities to rectify the problems. Accordingly, they wish to reject the vehicle and have their money refunded.”

The trader had offered to exchange the car after it had been repaired by the buyers, but said they refused.

The tribunal noted the

purchasers’ evidence was that the vehicle had been damaged and hadn’t been repaired, while Timaru Motors said the fault was most likely the PCM.

The trader’s manager, Dean McGuigan, said he told the couple when they bought the CX-7 that the cam chain was noisy and was a characteristic of the vehicle, but the buyers denied that claim.

He offered to swap the vehicle for a later-model CX-7 or repair it, and a loan car would be made available. However, both offers were declined.

McGuigan added the buyers had 10 months’ use of the vehicle and had no grounds to reject it.

He claimed the PCM fault code happened after the couple had travelled more than 6,000km in the car.

McGuigan said the fault might not have been the module and further investigations were needed.

The findingThe tribunal considered the age, mileage and purchase price of the CX-7 when determining if it complied with the CGA’s guarantee of acceptable quality at the time of sale.

It noted a water leak from a seam in its fire wall, which occurred two months after the car was supplied to the buyers, and an oil leak, stretched cam chain and faulty VVT were detected at the end of August after the vehicle had travelled 2,200km in three months since being sold.

The case: The buyers’ solicitor

contacted the trader to reject the

vehicle under consumer protection

legislation because major repairs

were needed. The trader said the

faults weren’t serious and offered to

replace the car or fix it.

The decision: The tribunal

ruled the vehicle, which was eight

years old and had 118,900km on its

odometer, was of acceptable quality

based on its age and mileage, so it

rejected the application.

At: The Motor Vehicle Disputes

Tribunal, Christchurch.

The PCM fault code first appeared in September 2014 after 2,403km of use at which time the intake pipe in front of the turbocharger was replaced.

The module needed to be replaced in February after the vehicle had travelled 8,426km, and Timaru Motors found the transfer case needed replacement shafts and seals.

But the tribunal wasn’t satisfied the PCM, and the transfer case shafts and seals, amounted to failures of the guarantee of acceptable quality.

It said the problems with these parts and the module, which the assessor considered based on information supplied by Timaru Motors, were most likely to be why the vehicle rattled under acceleration.

The tribunal ruled the faults were what a reasonable consumer might expect to occur in an eight-year-old car with 118,900km on the clock.

OrderThe tribunal ruled the vehicle was of acceptable quality and dismissed the application.

Application dismissed after dealer proves quality standards reached

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Whangarei Auckland Hamilton Thames Tauranga Rotorua Gisborne Napier

New Plymouth Wanganui Palmerston North Masterton Well ington Nelson Blenhe im Greymouth Whangarei Auckland Hamilton Thames Tauranga Rotorua Gisborne Napier New Plymouth Wanganui Palmerston North Masterton Well ington Nelson

Blenhe im Greymouth Westport Christchurch Timaru Oamaru Dunedin Invercargill Whangarei Auckland

Hamilton Thames Tauranga Rotorua Gisborne Napier New Plymouth Wanganui Palmerston North

Masterton Well ington Nelson Blenhe im Greymouth Whangarei Auckland Hamilton Thames

Ar

ou

n d t h e c oun

tr

y

Total Used Imported Cars

xx2014: xxx  xx%

Total New Cars

xxxx2014: 8,517  xx%

A u g u s t 2 0 15

Total imported used cars

12,0612014: 11,290  6.8%

Total new cars

7,7522014: 7,083  9.4%

Whangarei

NEW: 142 2014: 158  10.1%

USED: 264 2014: 222  18.9%

Auckland

NEW: 3,654 2014: 3,193 14.4%

USED: 6,003 2014: 5,576 7.7%

Wanganui

NEW: 60 2014: 59  1.7%

USED: 75 2014: 72  4.2%

Hamilton

NEW: 388 2014: 497  21.9%

USED: 836 2014: 763  9.6%

Palmerston North

NEW: 157 2014: 225  30.2%

USED: 303 2014: 302  0.3%

Westport

NEW: 7 2014: 5  40.0%

USED: 9 2014: 16  43.8%

New Plymouth

NEW: 124 2014: 139  10.8%

USED: 201 2014: 189  6.3%

Nelson

NEW: 81 2014: 107  24.3%

USED: 209 2014: 193  8.3%

Greymouth

NEW: 9 2014: 12  25.0%

USED: 46 2014: 31  48.4%

Thames

NEW: 44 2014: 52  15.4%

USED: 70 2014: 87  19.5%

Tauranga

NEW: 282 2014: 291  3.1%

USED: 537 2014: 445  20.7%

Gisborne

NEW: 31 2014: 35  11.4%

USED: 42 2014: 36  16.7%

Blenheim

NEW: 47 2014: 54  13.0%

USED: 53 2014: 51  3.9%

Masterton

NEW: 53 2014: 56  5.4%

USED: 49 2014: 56  12.5%

Timaru

NEW: 68 2014: 53  28.3%

USED: 90 2014: 112  19.6%

Dunedin

NEW: 192 2014: 220  12.7%

USED: 357 2014: 295  21.0%

Rotorua

NEW: 100 2014: 44  127.3%

USED: 118 2014: 119  0.8%

Napier

NEW: 184 2014: 167  10.2%

USED: 223 2014: 215  3.7%

Christchurch

NEW: 1,385 2014: 1,052  31.7%

USED: 1,483 2014: 1,546  4.1%

Wellington

NEW: 626 2014: 541  15.7%

USED: 927 2014: 822  12.8%

Oamaru

NEW: 13 2014: 17  23.5%

USED: 29 2014: 36  19.4%

Invercargill

NEW: 105 2014: 106  0.9%

USED: 137 2014: 106  29.2%

www.autofile.co.nz 21

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Imported Passenger Vehicle Sales by Make - August 2015

MAkE Aug'15 Aug'14 +/- % Aug'15 MkT shArE

2015 yEAr To DATE

2015 MkT shArE

Toyota 2,725 2,669 2.1 22.6% 21,678 22.5%

Nissan 2,136 2,208 -3.3 17.7% 16,447 17.0%

Mazda 1,962 1,780 10.2 16.3% 15,635 16.2%

Honda 1,198 1,182 1.4 9.9% 10,113 10.5%

Suzuki 746 688 8.4 6.2% 5,927 6.1%

Subaru 694 488 42.2 5.8% 5,346 5.5%

BMw 588 462 27.3 4.9% 4,460 4.6%

Mitsubishi 446 398 12.1 3.7% 3,683 3.8%

Volkswagen 446 426 4.7 3.7% 3,709 3.8%

Audi 255 213 19.7 2.1% 1,995 2.1%

Mercedes-Benz 213 186 14.5 1.8% 1,922 2.0%

Ford 121 122 -0.8 1.0% 1,176 1.2%

Volvo 67 72 -6.9 0.6% 596 0.6%

Lexus 62 37 67.6 0.5% 405 0.4%

Mini 52 39 33.3 0.4% 399 0.4%

Chevrolet 51 46 10.9 0.4% 458 0.5%

Holden 41 30 36.7 0.3% 288 0.3%

Land Rover 36 29 24.1 0.3% 312 0.3%

Jaguar 34 29 17.2 0.3% 315 0.3%

Hyundai 30 40 -25.0 0.2% 310 0.3%

Daihatsu 26 20 30.0 0.2% 138 0.1%

Jeep 17 5 240.0 0.1% 76 0.1%

Dodge 14 15 -6.7 0.1% 161 0.2%

Peugeot 14 19 -26.3 0.1% 150 0.2%

Porsche 13 16 -18.8 0.1% 116 0.1%

Chrysler 9 9 0.0 0.1% 75 0.1%

Fiat 8 3 166.7 0.1% 37 0.0%

Kia 7 3 133.3 0.1% 50 0.1%

Alfa Romeo 5 4 25.0 0.0% 36 0.0%

Rover 5 3 66.7 0.0% 19 0.0%

Renault 4 7 -42.9 0.0% 80 0.1%

Citroen 3 0 300.0 0.0% 25 0.0%

Mercury 3 0 300.0 0.0% 13 0.0%

Pontiac 3 2 50.0 0.0% 32 0.0%

Buick 2 0 200.0 0.0% 15 0.0%

Others 25 40 -37.5 0.2% 299 0.3%

Total 12,061 11,290 6.8 100.0% 96,496 100.0%

Imported Passenger Vehicle Sales by Model - August 2015

MAkE MoDEl Aug'15 Aug'14 +/- % Aug'15 MkT shArE

2015 yEAr To DATE

2015 MkT shArE

Suzuki Swift 623 575 8.3 5.2% 5,034 5.2%

Mazda Axela 559 518 7.9 4.6% 4,509 4.7%

Nissan Tiida 551 617 -10.7 4.6% 4,092 4.2%

Mazda Demio 528 430 22.8 4.4% 3,909 4.1%

Honda Fit 429 328 30.8 3.6% 3,657 3.8%

Subaru Legacy 375 282 33.0 3.1% 2,872 3.0%

Toyota wish 283 298 -5.0 2.3% 2,291 2.4%

Mazda Atenza 266 241 10.4 2.2% 2,347 2.4%

Volkswagen Golf 265 251 5.6 2.2% 2,303 2.4%

Toyota Corolla 229 279 -17.9 1.9% 1,664 1.7%

Toyota Vitz 214 255 -16.1 1.8% 1,878 1.9%

Mitsubishi Outlander 211 189 11.6 1.7% 1,868 1.9%

Mazda MPV 203 180 12.8 1.7% 1,767 1.8%

Nissan Note 179 171 4.7 1.5% 1,206 1.2%

Nissan Murano 161 131 22.9 1.3% 1,047 1.1%

Nissan Bluebird 160 141 13.5 1.3% 1,234 1.3%

Mazda Premacy 158 183 -13.7 1.3% 1,242 1.3%

Honda Odyssey 156 207 -24.6 1.3% 1,416 1.5%

Toyota Estima 150 170 -11.8 1.2% 1,389 1.4%

Toyota Ist 146 133 9.8 1.2% 1,004 1.0%

Toyota Mark X 144 109 32.1 1.2% 1,013 1.0%

Subaru Impreza 137 81 69.1 1.1% 998 1.0%

Honda Accord 136 145 -6.2 1.1% 1,073 1.1%

Nissan Dualis 135 158 -14.6 1.1% 1,202 1.2%

Nissan Teana 130 118 10.2 1.1% 891 0.9%

Toyota Caldina 119 118 0.8 1.0% 756 0.8%

Subaru Outback 117 67 74.6 1.0% 906 0.9%

Toyota Auris 111 132 -15.9 0.9% 997 1.0%

Mazda Verisa 109 89 22.5 0.9% 689 0.7%

BMw 320i 108 120 -10.0 0.9% 955 1.0%

Nissan March 107 120 -10.8 0.9% 892 0.9%

Toyota RAV4 106 87 21.8 0.9% 849 0.9%

Honda Stream 105 100 5.0 0.9% 921 1.0%

Toyota Prius 104 61 70.5 0.9% 812 0.8%

Audi A4 103 70 47.1 0.9% 692 0.7%

Others 4,444 4,136 7.4 36.8% 36,121 37.4%

Total 12,061 11,290 6.8 100.0% 96,496 100.0%

Peace of Mind. Ramp inspection before shippingwww.heiwa-auto.co.nz contact: Kei Mikuriya • mikuriya@heiwa-auto.co.jp

www.heiwa-auto.co.nz

www.autofile.co.nz 23

The decrease in the New Zealand dollar’s value is hitting dealers’ margins

and affecting what stock they can access in Japan.

The kiwi’s monthly average against the yen was 90.72 in April, but it has dropped steadily since – to 86.31 in June, 81.93 during July and 80.72 in August.

The cross-rate was 76.38 for the first three days of September, reports www.x-rates.com.

ANZ says “global concerns are front and centre” with markets agitated by ongoing Chinese growth worries, which came to the fore in mid-August, and weak commodity prices. This has led to equity markets sliding and uncertainty riding high.

On a more positive note, it notes the kiwi would normally be heading lower, “but instead it has been squeezing up”.

Autofile contacted two people in New Zealand’s automotive industry – the owner of a leading vehicle importer and a well-respected dealer – to get their views on the market.

“As we know, cross-rates have varied over the years,” says Simon Beirne, of Christchurch-based SBL – International Vehicle Brokering.

“However, this is only the second time in my 28 years of buying that the fall has been so quick and severe. Making it worse is that landed prices for better stock are now, on average, 15 per cent more expensive.”

Beirne says prices have “ballooned across the board” with SBL typically bidding on later models.

He doesn’t believe competing

markets, such as Russia and Myanmar, are a major issue though – it’s more the Japanese domestic market is bidding higher than this country.

“Years ago, when New Zealand was a much higher percentage player, we influenced market prices at auctions in Japan, but that’s no longer the case.”

Beirne describes securing stock at the moment as “challenging” with a significant amount for sale at higher cross-rate prices.

“It you sell a car for $25,000

and then try to buy a similar one in Japan, it is likely to owe $23,000 to put back on the yard,” explains Beirne.

“So does our client just bite the bullet and pay market value in Japan and hope our market rises quickly? Does he hold off and hope prices settle and then find, in three months’ time, they haven’t and he’s facing a near-empty yard?

Peace of Mind. Ramp inspection before shippingwww.heiwa-auto.co.nz contact: Kei Mikuriya • mikuriya@heiwa-auto.co.jp

www.heiwa-auto.co.nz

“What many clients are doing, which I believe is prudent, is running a middle line and buying about half of their needs at current prices until the picture becomes clearer.

“This is a challenging time for the entire industry and everyone in it – no one is immune.”

Neil Cottle, of Auto Court in Dunedin, says dealers are paying more for the same stock in Japan in regards to age and quality.

“There will also be increases in new car prices eventually, but franchises can hold on more easily than we can,” he says.

“Some dealers will be suffering at the moment, especially those who do not pay until their stock arrives in New Zealand. They may end up owing one million yen based on current exchange rates even though they purchased it a few months ago.

“We buy cars based on today’s values knowing what the exchange rate is. Other dealers work in different ways and lower rates will

only increase purchase prices.”Cottle says his dealership

is still looking at quite a lot of stock in Japan, but may end up purchasing less.

“Every car in our showroom looks as if it’s new and we are very critical with our strict criteria,” he says. “We don’t buy off auction sheets, but have a guy inspect every vehicle on the ground in Japan.

“There are still plenty of cars for sale, but the selection has dried up over the past month or two. However, thousands are available daily.

“This always happens, but is being aggravated by currency fluctuations. The exchange rate is what it is. You have no control over it and hopefully it will not fall further.”

Cottle says many one-off costs are associated with importing used cars. Shipping prices are uniform as is the fee for compliance in New Zealand, and then there is registration, so for cars costing $2,000 to $3,000 in Japan, the exchange rate doesn’t have the same effect on – for example – one priced at $50,000.

“The more expensive the stock, the more retail prices are affected by foreign exchange. Ten to 20 per cent price increases are harder for consumers to accept.”

There were 12,061 used imported cars registered for the first time in New Zealand last month – a 6.8 per cent increase on 11,290 in August 2014.

The year-to-date total is 96,496, which is up by 15.3 per cent up on 83,696 by the same time last year.

6000

7000

8000

9000

10000

11000

12000

13000

14000

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

2013

2014

2015

used imported passenger registrations - 2013-2015

Cross-rate hits buying conditions

24 www.autofile.co.nz

new car sales

New Passenger Vehicle Sales by Make - August 2015

MAkE Aug'15 Aug'14 +/- % Aug'15 MkT shArE

2015 yEAr To DATE

2015 MkT shArE

Toyota 1,512 1,169 29.3 19.5% 10,431 17.0%

Mazda 743 487 52.6 9.6% 5,584 9.1%

Holden 721 837 -13.9 9.3% 6,431 10.5%

Hyundai 664 599 10.9 8.6% 5,317 8.7%

Nissan 444 340 30.6 5.7% 3,091 5.0%

Ford 413 494 -16.4 5.3% 3,835 6.2%

Mitsubishi 407 380 7.1 5.3% 3,864 6.3%

Suzuki 332 345 -3.8 4.3% 2,895 4.7%

Honda 331 372 -11.0 4.3% 2,538 4.1%

Kia 306 217 41.0 3.9% 2,145 3.5%

Volkswagen 291 289 0.7 3.8% 2,704 4.4%

Subaru 210 130 61.5 2.7% 1,510 2.5%

Ssangyong 172 84 104.8 2.2% 943 1.5%

Audi 166 161 3.1 2.1% 1,268 2.1%

Mercedes-Benz 153 160 -4.4 2.0% 1,356 2.2%

Jeep 147 134 9.7 1.9% 957 1.6%

BMw 128 147 -12.9 1.7% 1,270 2.1%

Skoda 93 70 32.9 1.2% 711 1.2%

Land Rover 77 83 -7.2 1.0% 637 1.0%

Dodge 62 61 1.6 0.8% 412 0.7%

Peugeot 62 111 -44.1 0.8% 517 0.8%

Volvo 48 46 4.3 0.6% 291 0.5%

Lexus 45 40 12.5 0.6% 416 0.7%

Mini 41 47 -12.8 0.5% 407 0.7%

Fiat 38 57 -33.3 0.5% 415 0.7%

Porsche 33 27 22.2 0.4% 356 0.6%

Jaguar 23 15 53.3 0.3% 122 0.2%

Citroen 17 33 -48.5 0.2% 164 0.3%

Isuzu 17 8 112.5 0.2% 120 0.2%

Alfa Romeo 10 31 -67.7 0.1% 68 0.1%

Chery 9 34 -73.5 0.1% 146 0.2%

Renault 8 35 -77.1 0.1% 140 0.2%

yamaha 8 0 800.0 0.1% 76 0.1%

Aston Martin 3 0 300.0 0.0% 29 0.0%

Can-Am 3 3 0.0 0.0% 32 0.1%

Others 15 37 -59.5 0.2% 205 0.3%

Total 7,752 7,083 9.4 100.0% 61,403 100.0%

New Passenger Vehicle Sales by Model - August 2015

MAkE MoDEl Aug'15 Aug'14 +/- % Aug'15 MkT shArE

2015 yEAr To DATE

2015 MkT shArE

Toyota Corolla 621 468 32.7 8.0% 3,372 5.5%

Toyota RAV4 269 177 52.0 3.5% 2,324 3.8%

Mazda Mazda3 240 152 57.9 3.1% 1,622 2.6%

Mazda CX-5 239 164 45.7 3.1% 1,713 2.8%

Toyota yaris 237 174 36.2 3.1% 1,557 2.5%

Hyundai ix35 229 205 11.7 3.0% 1,674 2.7%

Toyota Highlander 201 189 6.3 2.6% 1,377 2.2%

Holden Captiva 196 212 -7.5 2.5% 1,497 2.4%

Hyundai Santa Fe 190 133 42.9 2.5% 1,431 2.3%

Suzuki Swift 185 177 4.5 2.4% 1,593 2.6%

Nissan Qashqai 157 133 18.0 2.0% 1,034 1.7%

Holden Commodore 150 280 -46.4 1.9% 1,766 2.9%

Honda Jazz 142 265 -46.4 1.8% 1,405 2.3%

Nissan X-Trail 132 90 46.7 1.7% 1,010 1.6%

Subaru Outback 123 40 207.5 1.6% 766 1.2%

Mitsubishi Outlander 123 100 23.0 1.6% 1,272 2.1%

Ssangyong Tivoli 121 0 12100.0 1.6% 284 0.5%

Mitsubishi ASX 120 98 22.4 1.5% 1,182 1.9%

Volkswagen Golf 117 85 37.6 1.5% 1,000 1.6%

Mazda Mazda2 113 81 39.5 1.5% 1,064 1.7%

Nissan Pulsar 108 31 248.4 1.4% 377 0.6%

Holden Cruze 104 143 -27.3 1.3% 1,060 1.7%

Hyundai i30 99 71 39.4 1.3% 748 1.2%

Kia Sportage 98 74 32.4 1.3% 744 1.2%

Ford Kuga 92 106 -13.2 1.2% 883 1.4%

Honda HR-V 87 0 8700.0 1.1% 115 0.2%

Holden Trax 80 48 66.7 1.0% 591 1.0%

Ford Focus 77 100 -23.0 1.0% 668 1.1%

Jeep Compass 72 24 200.0 0.9% 157 0.3%

Holden Barina 66 82 -19.5 0.9% 616 1.0%

Skoda Octavia 66 28 135.7 0.9% 426 0.7%

Mitsubishi Lancer 65 128 -49.2 0.8% 683 1.1%

Kia Rio 65 25 160.0 0.8% 368 0.6%

Ford Territory 64 65 -1.5 0.8% 678 1.1%

Mazda CX-3 62 0 6200.0 0.8% 522 0.9%

Others 2,642 2,935 -10.0 34.1% 23,824 38.8%

Total 7,752 7,083 9.4 100.0% 61,403 100.0%

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2012  

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New  

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Whangarei Auckland Hamilton Thames Tauranga Rotorua Gisborne Napier New Plymouth Wanganui Palmerston North Masterton Wellington Nelson Blenheim Greymouth Whangarei Auckland Hamilton Thames Tauranga Rotorua Gisborne

Napier New Plymouth Wanganui Palmerston North Masterton Wellington Nelson Blenheim Greymouth Westport Christchurch Timaru Oamaru Dunedin

Invercargill Whangarei Auckland Hamilton Thames Tauranga Rotorua Gisborne Napier New Plymouth

Wanganui Palmerston North Masterton Wellington Nelson Blenheim Greymouth Whangarei Auckland Hamilton Thames Tauranga Rotorua

Ar

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n d t h e c ou nt

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Osaka 20 Oct 30 Oct 15 Nov 29 Nov Nagoya 21 Oct 31 Oct 16 Nov 30 Nov Yokohama 22 Oct 1 Nov 17 Nov 1 Dec Auckland 7 Nov 17 Nov 4 Dec 19 Dec Wellington 13 Nov 23 Nov 11 Dec 26 Dec Lyttelton 16 Nov 29 Nov 11 Dec 29 Dec

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Biggest increases/Decreases By town year-on-year

(OctOber 2013 vs OctOber 2012)

Biggest increases new Used

westport  100.0% Blenheim  95.5% thames  51.2% nelson  64.9% napier  34.1% rotorua  52.0%

Biggest decreases new Used

wanganui  27.7% westport  41.7% gisborne  26.8% Masterton  20.0% timaru  23.7% timaru  12.4%

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october 2013

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Annual high for stockpileThe amount of stock held

by used car dealers during

October was the highest

monthly total of the year.

There were 10,374 units

imported last month with a

variance of 1,829 on 8,545 sales.

The number of cars in stock

amounted to 9,323 compared to

7,494 in September.

There have been two other

major increases during 2013 – with

variances between imports and sales

of 3,121 in April and 2,507 in May.

Graeme Macdonald, chairman

of the North Island branch of the

Imported Motor Vehicle Industry

Association, says the current

stockpile should correct itself – as it

normally does.“If the monthly stockpile was

10,000 on a regular basis it means

there are solid holding numbers,”

he told Autofile. “North of that

and we would be looking at an

oversupply issue.

“There was good buying in Japan

in March, and we saw high arrival

numbers in April, May and June.

“The stockpile occurs more at

certain times of the year. Since

I came back into the industry in

1996, it has ebbed and flowed.”

Used car stock levels are

traditionally based on what’s

happening in Japan and what

consumers are buying here.

Conditions there have improved

recently and the exchange rate

has gone up.“October and November are

normally difficult for the industry,

so the stockpile tends to go

up,” says Macdonald. “But trade

swings up over Christmas and the

holidays, so it goes down.

“December and January are

good months for sales because

people take time off work, the kids

are off school and people may have

Christmas bonuses or holiday pay.

“It’s a time when Kiwis tend to

make financial decisions, so dealers

need to have plenty of stock to

match demand.“When the market’s down in

Japan, stock is hard to get. When

it’s buoyant, you tend to buy what

you can because you don’t know

what will be available next time.

“Dealers also need to bear in

mind it takes four to six weeks to

get stock from Japan.”

Larger operations, of say 300

units, are more static with their

holding not changing too much.

A drop of 50 units may not be

too drastic. But stock can vary

enormously by proportion on yards

with 30 to 40 cars.

“They can suddenly be selling

without having bought for a few

weeks and being 10-15 units down

makes them more susceptible,”

says Macdonald.

“Dealers then jump online to

buy more from Japan, but that’s

always been the way.

“You can oversupply when

buying conditions are good, but

the marketplace normally corrects

itself by pulling back from Japan or

selling down. The numbers might

drop for a month or two before

trundling up again.

“There’s no magic supply-chain

miracle. When it’s slow, it tends to be

slow for everybody. If you can get

good supply with a good exchange

rate, everyone benefits.”

did come down after the global

financial crisis [GFC].

“Stocking levels then increased

again and they respond to the

number of new vehicles sold and

the rate at which they are sold.

“They basically go up when

sales go up, but I’m not so sure

about the days stock is held for

being longer and can’t explain that.

“Average sales per day came

down during the GFC and before

that they were much higher.”

If 80,000 vehicles are sold one

year and 100,000 are sold the

following year, the average sales

per day should be higher – and

the MIA is expecting more new

vehicles to be sold this year than

during 2012.There were 54,404 sales in 2009,

62,029 in 2010, 64,019 in 2011

and 76,871 in 2012, and the MIA is

predicting about 82,000 passenger

vehicle and SUV sales this year.

“We’re looking at about 30,600

light commercials and we’re on

track for 112,000 or 113,000 new

vehicle sales overall.”

Business confidence being

high and strong regional

economies in Auckland and

Christchurch are boosting sales.

“Trades people are upgrading

their vehicles,” says Crawford.

“Although passenger cars aren’t so

hot, SUVs are.“People in the housing market

are refinancing their mortgages

to buy big-ticket items especially

when they are confident about

keeping their jobs.”

All that said, some of the

regional centres, such as Hawke’s

Bay and Palmerston North, aren’t

showing as much growth as

other centres.“But 80 per cent of New Zealand’s

population is in Auckland and

Christchurch. “If you add in Dunedin and

Wellington, these centres cover a

large proportion of the population

and all have strong economies.”

Year to date, 77,438 new cars

have been imported and 68,612

have been registered to give a

variance of 8,826 so far this year.

Days with stock at hand has

been steadily increasing from 78 in

January to 131 in October.

Last year 90,754 units were

imported and there were 76,871

sales for a variance of 13,883.

Stock levels of new cars have

increased every month

except one this year, with

October’s total of 29,509 being the

highest of 2013.There were 7,962 sales last

month, also this year’s biggest

amount, while the variance was

1,400 with 9,362 units imported –

the second highest amount after

11,065 imports in August.

The total stock figure at the

end of December was 20,683 and

that dropped to this year’s low of

18,653 in January.

David Crawford, chief executive

officer of the Motor Industry

Association (MIA), says current

models aren’t sitting around in

stock for too long.

“The industry tends to manage

stock levels quite well and does this

day in, day out,” he told Autofile.

“My data suggests this is a

cyclical thing and levels were no

higher in previous years, but they

Industry manages levels well

Dealer stock of new cars in New Zealand - Oct 2013

2012 Imported NeW CArS SoLd VArIANCe StoCk

AVerAge SALeS per dAy - ytd

dAyS StoCk

At hANd

MIA stock estimate as at end of December 2011 12,984

Jan ‘12 5,026 7,499 (2,473) 10,511 242 43

Feb ‘12 7,368 5,633 1,735 12,246 223 55

Mar ‘12 7,228 6,499 729 12,975 218 59

Apr ‘12 6,285 5,430 855 13,830 209 66

May ‘12 7,742 5,942 1,800 15,630 205 76

Jun ‘12 8,870 7,142 1,728 17,358 211 82

Jul ‘12 7,894 6,208 1,686 19,044 209 91

Aug ‘12 8,589 5,959 2,630 21,674 207 105

Sep ‘12 6,828 6,637 191 21,865 209 105

Oct ‘12 8,155 7,336 819 22,684 211 107

Nov ‘12 8,953 6,484 2,469 25,153 212 119

Dec ‘12 7,816 6,102 1,714 26,867 211 128

ytd total 90,754 76,871 13,883

2013 Imported NeW CArS SoLd VArIANCe StoCk

AVerAge SALeS per dAy - ytd

dAyS StoCk

At hANd

Total stock at the end of December 2012 26,867

Jan ‘13 5,355 7,385 (2,030) 24,837 238 104

Feb ‘13 7,027 5,799 1,228 26,065 223 117

Mar ‘13 6,329 6,800 (471) 25,594 222 115

Apr ‘13 7,391 5,908 1,483 27,077 216 125

May ‘13 7,429 6,347 1,082 28,159 214 132

Jun ‘13 8,051 7,542 509 28,668 220 130

Jul ‘13 8,423 6,769 1,654 30,322 220 138

Aug ‘13 11,065 6,828 4,237 34,559 220 157

Sep ‘13 7,006 7,272 (266) 34,293 222 154

Oct ‘13 9,362 7,962 1,400 35,693 226 158

Nov ‘13 - - - - - -

Dec ‘13 - - - - - -

ytd total 77,438 68,612 8,826

2013 predicted sales 82,380

Dealer stock of used car imports in New Zealand - Oct 2013

2012 Imported USed ImportS SoLd VArIANCe StoCk

AVerAge SALeS per dAy - ytd

dAyS StoCk

At hANd

Total stock at the end of December 2011 8,579

Jan ‘12 3,191 6,375 (3,184) 5,395 206 26

Feb ‘12 4,920 6,000 (1,080) 4,315 210 21

Mar ‘12 6,504 6,429 75 4,390 209 21

Apr ‘12 6,613 5,877 736 5,126 206 25

May ‘12 7,693 6,793 900 6,026 208 29

Jun ‘12 6,947 6,184 763 6,789 208 33

Jul ‘12 5,335 6,641 (1,306) 5,483 209 26

Aug ‘12 5,540 6,621 (1,081) 4,402 210 21

Sep ‘12 5,506 6,222 (716) 3,686 209 18

Oct ‘12 5,688 6,867 (1,179) 2,507 211 12

Nov ‘12 8,486 7,183 1,303 3,810 213 18

Dec ‘12 6,414 7,119 (705) 3,105 215 14

ytd total 72,837 78,311 (5,474)

2013 Imported USed ImportS SoLd VArIANCe StoCk

AVerAge SALeS per dAy - ytd

dAyS StoCk

At hANd

Total stock at the end of December 2012 3105

Jan ‘13 4,468 7,397 (2,929) 176 239 0.7

Feb ‘13 8,247 6,922 1,325 1,501 243 6

Mar ‘13 8,852 7,581 1,271 2,772 243 11

Apr ‘13 10,539 7,418 3,121 5,893 244 24

May ‘13 10,967 8,460 2,507 8,400 250 34

Jun ‘13 8,089 7,862 227 8,627 252 34

Jul ‘13 8,623 9,629 (1,006) 7,621 261 29

Aug ‘13 8,635 8,648 (13) 7,608 263 29

Sep ‘13 7,501 7,615 (114) 7,494 262 29

Oct ‘13 10,374 8,545 1,829 9,323 263 35

Nov ‘13 - - - - - -

Dec ‘13 - - - - - -

ytd total 86,295 80,077 6,218

2013 predicted sales 96,145

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Days stock in nZ - UseD import cars

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New Passenger Vehicle Sales by Make - November 2013Make Nov '13 Nov '12 +/- % Nov '13

Mkt Share 2013 total 2013 Mkt ShareToyota 1746 1190 46.7 23.4% 14670 19.3%Holden 685 673 1.8 9.2% 8102 10.7%Ford 618 596 3.7 8.3% 6519 8.6%Hyundai 572 624 -8.3 7.7% 6695 8.8%Mazda 512 485 5.6 6.9% 5447 7.2%Nissan 382 281 35.9 5.1% 3342 4.4%Suzuki 376 405 -7.2 5.0% 4436 5.8%Mitsubishi 351 272 29.0 4.7% 3661 4.8%Honda 310 312 -0.6 4.2% 2994 3.9%Volkswagen 288 261 10.3 3.9% 3527 4.6%Kia 202 240 -15.8 2.7% 2563 3.4%BMw 172 178 -3.4 2.3% 1861 2.4%Subaru 165 153 7.8 2.2% 1645 2.2%Audi 163 150 8.7 2.2% 1748 2.3%Mercedes-Benz 128 82 56.1 1.7% 1398 1.8%Peugeot 108 60 80.0 1.4% 1001 1.3%Jeep 92 65 41.5 1.2% 775 1.0%Ssangyong 86 49 75.5 1.2% 724 1.0%Dodge 64 46 39.1 0.9% 478 0.6%Skoda 63 56 12.5 0.8% 654 0.9%Lexus 54 44 22.7 0.7% 508 0.7%Land Rover 51 22 131.8 0.7% 443 0.6%Mini 44 43 2.3 0.6% 474 0.6%Chery 34 21 61.9 0.5% 351 0.5%Alfa Romeo 24 31 -22.6 0.3% 182 0.2%Great wall 23 38 -39.5 0.3% 211 0.3%Fiat 21 2 950.0 0.3% 142 0.2%Renault 21 8 162.5 0.3% 98 0.1%Volvo 18 19 -5.3 0.2% 229 0.3%Porsche 13 11 18.2 0.2% 182 0.2%Citroen 12 16 -25.0 0.2% 286 0.4%Jaguar 12 5 140.0 0.2% 128 0.2%Chrysler 10 13 -23.1 0.1% 120 0.2%Can-Am 9 6 50.0 0.1% 75 0.1%Daihatsu 6 19 -68.4 0.1% 258 0.3%Aston Martin 4 1 300.0 0.1% 25 0.0%Maserati 4 2 100.0 0.1% 14 0.0%Mahindra 3 - - 0.0% 6 0.0%MG 2 0 200.0 0.0% 12 0.0%Chrysler Jeep 1 - - 0.0% 1 0.0%Mclaren 1 0 100.0 0.0% 6 0.0%Others 3 5 -40.0 0.0% 71 0.1%total 7453 6484 14.9 100.0% 76062 100.0%

New Passenger Vehicle Sales by Model - November 2013Make Model Nov '13 Nov '12 +/- % Nov Mkt

Share2013

total2013 Mkt

ShareToyota Corolla 626 462 35.5 8.4% 5283 6.9%Toyota RAV4 289 80 261.3 3.9% 2521 3.3%Holden Commodore 260 171 52.0 3.5% 2399 3.2%Mazda Cx-5 239 141 69.5 3.2% 1989 2.6%Toyota yaris 227 267 -15.0 3.0% 2235 2.9%Suzuki Swift 218 254 -14.2 2.9% 2750 3.6%Ford Mondeo 184 98 87.8 2.5% 1201 1.6%Hyundai ix35 168 81 107.4 2.3% 1338 1.8%Mitsubishi Lancer 168 84 100.0 2.3% 894 1.2%Toyota Camry 168 131 28.2 2.3% 1270 1.7%Holden Captiva 135 319 -57.7 1.8% 2039 2.7%Volkswagen Golf 134 103 30.1 1.8% 1469 1.9%Toyota Highlander 118 79 49.4 1.6% 1092 1.4%Ford Focus 114 212 -46.2 1.5% 1429 1.9%Honda Jazz 113 76 48.7 1.5% 922 1.2%Ford Kuga 112 18 522.2 1.5% 952 1.3%Mazda Mazda3 109 151 -27.8 1.5% 1537 2.0%Toyota Aurion 107 23 365.2 1.4% 447 0.6%Holden Cruze 106 80 32.5 1.4% 1925 2.5%Hyundai Santa Fe 103 261 -60.5 1.4% 1847 2.4%Honda Civic 100 115 -13.0 1.3% 852 1.1%Mitsubishi Outlander 97 118 -17.8 1.3% 1258 1.7%Hyundai i30 95 103 -7.8 1.3% 1255 1.6%Nissan Qashqai 93 106 -12.3 1.2% 884 1.2%Toyota Landcruiser Prado 87 38 128.9 1.2% 557 0.7%Nissan x-Trail 86 52 65.4 1.2% 779 1.0%Ford Territory 83 137 -39.4 1.1% 1188 1.6%Volkswagen Tiguan 78 53 47.2 1.0% 689 0.9%Hyundai Accent 77 29 165.5 1.0% 572 0.8%Honda CRV 71 82 -13.4 1.0% 793 1.0%Mazda Mazda6 70 82 -14.6 0.9% 960 1.3%Mazda Mazda2 66 77 -14.3 0.9% 712 0.9%Ford Falcon 65 45 44.4 0.9% 835 1.1%Nissan Pathfinder 65 7 828.6 0.9% 191 0.3%Dodge Journey 64 46 39.1 0.9% 476 0.6%Jeep Grand Cherokee 64 39 64.1 0.9% 502 0.7%Ssangyong Korando 63 36 75.0 0.8% 480 0.6%Ford Fiesta 60 85 -29.4 0.8% 892 1.2%Bmw 116i 59 13 353.8 0.8% 378 0.5%Holden Malibu 58 - - 0.8% 334 0.4%Others2254 2130 5.8 30.2% 25936 34.1%total7453 6484 14.9 100.0% 76062 100.0%

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850 wds

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New Passenger registrations - 2012-2013

Subscribe - FREEgo to www.autofile.co.nz/subscribe for the latest industry newsConneCt & engage

www.autofile.co.nz 25

market for new vehicles, used stock has also been performing well.

Foot adds the economy in Wellington is improving steadily on the back of some large infrastructure schemes.

“As well as the Transmission Gully engineering work, there are some big projects going on, such as retirement homes. A new NZ Post building is being constructed and a few start-ups are humming around town.”

Grant Vincent, principal and fleet manager of Greenlane Hyundai in Auckland, says August

was a particularly strong month with new cars picking up again after a softer July “on the back of some great facelifted models” from the marque.

He notes the business has also seen a lift in dealer finance, which is “remarkably higher compared to how it was sitting earlier in the year”.

Vincent adds: “One thing I have noticed is that Hyundai has built up a very strong following as

far as the brand’s reliability goes. “The range delivers cheaper

small cars up to the most expensive high-end sedan, the Genesis.

“However, one of the biggest challenges moving forward may be around currency. Hyundai is holding prices as long as it can, but I am aware of two imminent changes.

“I believe we will continue with growth in Auckland with businesses moving here and a lot of companies hiring.

“Spring has begun and that brings about a new lease of life for most of us, so we are expecting good and solid trading through to the end of this year.”

The Motor Industry Association (MIA) predicts the overall new-vehicle market may top 130,000 registrations for the first time after August’s bumper sales figures.

Total registrations last month were up by 10 per cent, or by 1,003 units, compared to same month of 2014.

“The market continues to defy general economic indicators with sales delivering steady growth of five per cent for the year,” says John Manley, president of the MIA.

“Given the year-to-date sales position, it’s likely the industry will break the 130,000-unit barrier in 2015 for the first time ever.”

Toyota remained the overall market leader with a 21 per cent market share and 2,302 registrations during August.

It was followed by Ford with 11 per cent and 1,226 units, and Holden on nine per cent with 1,016.

Toyota, Holden and Ford remain the top three year-to-date market leaders.

Sales of new cars came in at 7,752 units last month and were up by 669 – or 9.4

per cent – compared to 7,083 in August last year.

The total made for the strongest August since 1986 and saw the Toyota Corolla regaining the number-one spot for passenger vehicles with 621 registrations.

It was followed by the marque’s RAV4 on 269 units and the Mazda 3 on 240.

Toyota remained this segment’s leader with 1,512 registrations. It was followed by Mazda on 743 units with Holden coming third on 721. So far this year, Toyota, Holden and Mazda top this part of market.

Matthew Foot, dealer principal of Brendan Foot Supersite in Wellington, says: “The two months prior to July were very strong, and we saw record sales in new and used vehicles.

“The marketing of new cars and Fieldays prices have helped to build strong momentum.

“Consumers continue to be aware of the volatility of the New Zealand dollar, so they are purchasing now ahead of any fluctuations that could adjust prices in the long run.”

He adds the market has still been seeing strong gains even with the cold weather settling in.

“It’s usually reasonably flat during winter because the weather limits people’s ability to get out and about. But this year, the winter months have performed much better than usual.”

Foot says rental companies “are buying up strong – just look at Toyota, which is selling about

Strongest August in three decades70 per cent of its new vehicles in New Zealand as rentals”.

He believes this comes off the back of a strong tourism season and Toyota “also seems to be leasing out its vehicles on shorter terms, which is helping boost the amount of used vehicle stock available”.

Foot adds: “Cars with engines between 1.8 and two litres are now in the $26,000 transactional price bracket, which used to be reserved for cars between 1.3 and 1.4 litres, while SUVs – such as the Mitsubishi ASX – come in at about $30,000.

“I don’t see any reason why

the strong numbers shouldn’t continue. We have seen big growth in Auckland and the biggest part of the market is there.

“It will be interesting to see what effect dairy has on sales of light commercial vehicles.

“But there is no reason why the overall numbers should not be up at around 130,000 by the end of the year.”

Alongside the improving

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Whangarei Auckland Hamilton Thames Tauranga Rotorua Gisborne Napier New Plymouth Wanganui Palmerston North Masterton Wellington Nelson Blenheim Greymouth Whangarei Auckland Hamilton Thames Tauranga Rotorua Gisborne

Napier New Plymouth Wanganui Palmerston North Masterton Wellington Nelson Blenheim Greymouth Westport Christchurch Timaru Oamaru Dunedin

Invercargill Whangarei Auckland Hamilton Thames Tauranga Rotorua Gisborne Napier New Plymouth

Wanganui Palmerston North Masterton Wellington Nelson Blenheim Greymouth Whangarei Auckland Hamilton Thames Tauranga Rotorua

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PORT TO DOOR SERVICEINCLUDING: MPI Border inspection Odometer certifi cation Digital Photography for prior sales in NZ NZ Customs clearance Delivery Nationwide Insurance

GENEROUS REWARDS PROGRAMMEShip your motor vehicles on Armacup vessels and you can earn seamiles points for air travel (only applicable to used imports)

Biggest increases/Decreases By town year-on-year

(OctOber 2013 vs OctOber 2012)

Biggest increases new Used

westport  100.0% Blenheim  95.5% thames  51.2% nelson  64.9% napier  34.1% rotorua  52.0%

Biggest decreases new Used

wanganui  27.7% westport  41.7% gisborne  26.8% Masterton  20.0% timaru  23.7% timaru  12.4%

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South Island

10000

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‘12

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‘13

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‘13

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‘13

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‘13

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13

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‘13

Used

New7962

8545

1805

6740

Used Vehicle RegistRatiOnsNorth IslaNd versus south IslaNd

PassengeR Vehicle RegistRatiOnsNew versus used

Vehi

cles

sol

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4320

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290

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229

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aucklaNd, wellINgtoN, chrIstchurch hamIltoN, tauraNga, duNedIN, PalmerstoN North

Used imPORt PassengeR Vehicle RegistRatiOns by city

october 2013

autoport.net

The TRUSTED online wholesale trading site.

26 | www.autofile.co.nz

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Annual high for stockpileThe amount of stock held

by used car dealers during

October was the highest

monthly total of the year.

There were 10,374 units

imported last month with a

variance of 1,829 on 8,545 sales.

The number of cars in stock

amounted to 9,323 compared to

7,494 in September.

There have been two other

major increases during 2013 – with

variances between imports and sales

of 3,121 in April and 2,507 in May.

Graeme Macdonald, chairman

of the North Island branch of the

Imported Motor Vehicle Industry

Association, says the current

stockpile should correct itself – as it

normally does.“If the monthly stockpile was

10,000 on a regular basis it means

there are solid holding numbers,”

he told Autofile. “North of that

and we would be looking at an

oversupply issue.

“There was good buying in Japan

in March, and we saw high arrival

numbers in April, May and June.

“The stockpile occurs more at

certain times of the year. Since

I came back into the industry in

1996, it has ebbed and flowed.”

Used car stock levels are

traditionally based on what’s

happening in Japan and what

consumers are buying here.

Conditions there have improved

recently and the exchange rate

has gone up.“October and November are

normally difficult for the industry,

so the stockpile tends to go

up,” says Macdonald. “But trade

swings up over Christmas and the

holidays, so it goes down.

“December and January are

good months for sales because

people take time off work, the kids

are off school and people may have

Christmas bonuses or holiday pay.

“It’s a time when Kiwis tend to

make financial decisions, so dealers

need to have plenty of stock to

match demand.“When the market’s down in

Japan, stock is hard to get. When

it’s buoyant, you tend to buy what

you can because you don’t know

what will be available next time.

“Dealers also need to bear in

mind it takes four to six weeks to

get stock from Japan.”

Larger operations, of say 300

units, are more static with their

holding not changing too much.

A drop of 50 units may not be

too drastic. But stock can vary

enormously by proportion on yards

with 30 to 40 cars.

“They can suddenly be selling

without having bought for a few

weeks and being 10-15 units down

makes them more susceptible,”

says Macdonald.

“Dealers then jump online to

buy more from Japan, but that’s

always been the way.

“You can oversupply when

buying conditions are good, but

the marketplace normally corrects

itself by pulling back from Japan or

selling down. The numbers might

drop for a month or two before

trundling up again.

“There’s no magic supply-chain

miracle. When it’s slow, it tends to be

slow for everybody. If you can get

good supply with a good exchange

rate, everyone benefits.”

did come down after the global

financial crisis [GFC].

“Stocking levels then increased

again and they respond to the

number of new vehicles sold and

the rate at which they are sold.

“They basically go up when

sales go up, but I’m not so sure

about the days stock is held for

being longer and can’t explain that.

“Average sales per day came

down during the GFC and before

that they were much higher.”

If 80,000 vehicles are sold one

year and 100,000 are sold the

following year, the average sales

per day should be higher – and

the MIA is expecting more new

vehicles to be sold this year than

during 2012.There were 54,404 sales in 2009,

62,029 in 2010, 64,019 in 2011

and 76,871 in 2012, and the MIA is

predicting about 82,000 passenger

vehicle and SUV sales this year.

“We’re looking at about 30,600

light commercials and we’re on

track for 112,000 or 113,000 new

vehicle sales overall.”

Business confidence being

high and strong regional

economies in Auckland and

Christchurch are boosting sales.

“Trades people are upgrading

their vehicles,” says Crawford.

“Although passenger cars aren’t so

hot, SUVs are.“People in the housing market

are refinancing their mortgages

to buy big-ticket items especially

when they are confident about

keeping their jobs.”

All that said, some of the

regional centres, such as Hawke’s

Bay and Palmerston North, aren’t

showing as much growth as

other centres.“But 80 per cent of New Zealand’s

population is in Auckland and

Christchurch. “If you add in Dunedin and

Wellington, these centres cover a

large proportion of the population

and all have strong economies.”

Year to date, 77,438 new cars

have been imported and 68,612

have been registered to give a

variance of 8,826 so far this year.

Days with stock at hand has

been steadily increasing from 78 in

January to 131 in October.

Last year 90,754 units were

imported and there were 76,871

sales for a variance of 13,883.

Stock levels of new cars have

increased every month

except one this year, with

October’s total of 29,509 being the

highest of 2013.There were 7,962 sales last

month, also this year’s biggest

amount, while the variance was

1,400 with 9,362 units imported –

the second highest amount after

11,065 imports in August.

The total stock figure at the

end of December was 20,683 and

that dropped to this year’s low of

18,653 in January.

David Crawford, chief executive

officer of the Motor Industry

Association (MIA), says current

models aren’t sitting around in

stock for too long.

“The industry tends to manage

stock levels quite well and does this

day in, day out,” he told Autofile.

“My data suggests this is a

cyclical thing and levels were no

higher in previous years, but they

Industry manages levels well

Dealer stock of new cars in New Zealand - Oct 2013

2012 Imported NeW CArS SoLd VArIANCe StoCk

AVerAge SALeS per dAy - ytd

dAyS StoCk

At hANd

MIA stock estimate as at end of December 2011 12,984

Jan ‘12 5,026 7,499 (2,473) 10,511 242 43

Feb ‘12 7,368 5,633 1,735 12,246 223 55

Mar ‘12 7,228 6,499 729 12,975 218 59

Apr ‘12 6,285 5,430 855 13,830 209 66

May ‘12 7,742 5,942 1,800 15,630 205 76

Jun ‘12 8,870 7,142 1,728 17,358 211 82

Jul ‘12 7,894 6,208 1,686 19,044 209 91

Aug ‘12 8,589 5,959 2,630 21,674 207 105

Sep ‘12 6,828 6,637 191 21,865 209 105

Oct ‘12 8,155 7,336 819 22,684 211 107

Nov ‘12 8,953 6,484 2,469 25,153 212 119

Dec ‘12 7,816 6,102 1,714 26,867 211 128

ytd total 90,754 76,871 13,883

2013 Imported NeW CArS SoLd VArIANCe StoCk

AVerAge SALeS per dAy - ytd

dAyS StoCk

At hANd

Total stock at the end of December 2012 26,867

Jan ‘13 5,355 7,385 (2,030) 24,837 238 104

Feb ‘13 7,027 5,799 1,228 26,065 223 117

Mar ‘13 6,329 6,800 (471) 25,594 222 115

Apr ‘13 7,391 5,908 1,483 27,077 216 125

May ‘13 7,429 6,347 1,082 28,159 214 132

Jun ‘13 8,051 7,542 509 28,668 220 130

Jul ‘13 8,423 6,769 1,654 30,322 220 138

Aug ‘13 11,065 6,828 4,237 34,559 220 157

Sep ‘13 7,006 7,272 (266) 34,293 222 154

Oct ‘13 9,362 7,962 1,400 35,693 226 158

Nov ‘13 - - - - - -

Dec ‘13 - - - - - -

ytd total 77,438 68,612 8,826

2013 predicted sales 82,380

Dealer stock of used car imports in New Zealand - Oct 2013

2012 Imported USed ImportS SoLd VArIANCe StoCk

AVerAge SALeS per dAy - ytd

dAyS StoCk

At hANd

Total stock at the end of December 2011 8,579

Jan ‘12 3,191 6,375 (3,184) 5,395 206 26

Feb ‘12 4,920 6,000 (1,080) 4,315 210 21

Mar ‘12 6,504 6,429 75 4,390 209 21

Apr ‘12 6,613 5,877 736 5,126 206 25

May ‘12 7,693 6,793 900 6,026 208 29

Jun ‘12 6,947 6,184 763 6,789 208 33

Jul ‘12 5,335 6,641 (1,306) 5,483 209 26

Aug ‘12 5,540 6,621 (1,081) 4,402 210 21

Sep ‘12 5,506 6,222 (716) 3,686 209 18

Oct ‘12 5,688 6,867 (1,179) 2,507 211 12

Nov ‘12 8,486 7,183 1,303 3,810 213 18

Dec ‘12 6,414 7,119 (705) 3,105 215 14

ytd total 72,837 78,311 (5,474)

2013 Imported USed ImportS SoLd VArIANCe StoCk

AVerAge SALeS per dAy - ytd

dAyS StoCk

At hANd

Total stock at the end of December 2012 3105

Jan ‘13 4,468 7,397 (2,929) 176 239 0.7

Feb ‘13 8,247 6,922 1,325 1,501 243 6

Mar ‘13 8,852 7,581 1,271 2,772 243 11

Apr ‘13 10,539 7,418 3,121 5,893 244 24

May ‘13 10,967 8,460 2,507 8,400 250 34

Jun ‘13 8,089 7,862 227 8,627 252 34

Jul ‘13 8,623 9,629 (1,006) 7,621 261 29

Aug ‘13 8,635 8,648 (13) 7,608 263 29

Sep ‘13 7,501 7,615 (114) 7,494 262 29

Oct ‘13 10,374 8,545 1,829 9,323 263 35

Nov ‘13 - - - - - -

Dec ‘13 - - - - - -

ytd total 86,295 80,077 6,218

2013 predicted sales 96,145

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Days stock in nZ - UseD import cars

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Days stock in nZ - new cars

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SPONSORSHIP OF THE NEW AND USED COMMERCIAL STATISTICS

PAGES IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR YOUR BUSINESSTARGETED ADVERTISING SPACE

SHOULDN’T WE BE LOOKING AT YOUR BUSINESS? For all enquiries contact Brian on 021 455 775 or email brian@autofi le.co.nz

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New Passenger Vehicle Sales by Make - November 2013Make Nov '13 Nov '12 +/- % Nov '13

Mkt Share 2013 total 2013 Mkt ShareToyota 1746 1190 46.7 23.4% 14670 19.3%Holden 685 673 1.8 9.2% 8102 10.7%Ford 618 596 3.7 8.3% 6519 8.6%Hyundai 572 624 -8.3 7.7% 6695 8.8%Mazda 512 485 5.6 6.9% 5447 7.2%Nissan 382 281 35.9 5.1% 3342 4.4%Suzuki 376 405 -7.2 5.0% 4436 5.8%Mitsubishi 351 272 29.0 4.7% 3661 4.8%Honda 310 312 -0.6 4.2% 2994 3.9%Volkswagen 288 261 10.3 3.9% 3527 4.6%Kia 202 240 -15.8 2.7% 2563 3.4%BMw 172 178 -3.4 2.3% 1861 2.4%Subaru 165 153 7.8 2.2% 1645 2.2%Audi 163 150 8.7 2.2% 1748 2.3%Mercedes-Benz 128 82 56.1 1.7% 1398 1.8%Peugeot 108 60 80.0 1.4% 1001 1.3%Jeep 92 65 41.5 1.2% 775 1.0%Ssangyong 86 49 75.5 1.2% 724 1.0%Dodge 64 46 39.1 0.9% 478 0.6%Skoda 63 56 12.5 0.8% 654 0.9%Lexus 54 44 22.7 0.7% 508 0.7%Land Rover 51 22 131.8 0.7% 443 0.6%Mini 44 43 2.3 0.6% 474 0.6%Chery 34 21 61.9 0.5% 351 0.5%Alfa Romeo 24 31 -22.6 0.3% 182 0.2%Great wall 23 38 -39.5 0.3% 211 0.3%Fiat 21 2 950.0 0.3% 142 0.2%Renault 21 8 162.5 0.3% 98 0.1%Volvo 18 19 -5.3 0.2% 229 0.3%Porsche 13 11 18.2 0.2% 182 0.2%Citroen 12 16 -25.0 0.2% 286 0.4%Jaguar 12 5 140.0 0.2% 128 0.2%Chrysler 10 13 -23.1 0.1% 120 0.2%Can-Am 9 6 50.0 0.1% 75 0.1%Daihatsu 6 19 -68.4 0.1% 258 0.3%Aston Martin 4 1 300.0 0.1% 25 0.0%Maserati 4 2 100.0 0.1% 14 0.0%Mahindra 3 - - 0.0% 6 0.0%MG 2 0 200.0 0.0% 12 0.0%Chrysler Jeep 1 - - 0.0% 1 0.0%Mclaren 1 0 100.0 0.0% 6 0.0%Others 3 5 -40.0 0.0% 71 0.1%total 7453 6484 14.9 100.0% 76062 100.0%

New Passenger Vehicle Sales by Model - November 2013Make Model Nov '13 Nov '12 +/- % Nov Mkt

Share2013

total2013 Mkt

ShareToyota Corolla 626 462 35.5 8.4% 5283 6.9%Toyota RAV4 289 80 261.3 3.9% 2521 3.3%Holden Commodore 260 171 52.0 3.5% 2399 3.2%Mazda Cx-5 239 141 69.5 3.2% 1989 2.6%Toyota yaris 227 267 -15.0 3.0% 2235 2.9%Suzuki Swift 218 254 -14.2 2.9% 2750 3.6%Ford Mondeo 184 98 87.8 2.5% 1201 1.6%Hyundai ix35 168 81 107.4 2.3% 1338 1.8%Mitsubishi Lancer 168 84 100.0 2.3% 894 1.2%Toyota Camry 168 131 28.2 2.3% 1270 1.7%Holden Captiva 135 319 -57.7 1.8% 2039 2.7%Volkswagen Golf 134 103 30.1 1.8% 1469 1.9%Toyota Highlander 118 79 49.4 1.6% 1092 1.4%Ford Focus 114 212 -46.2 1.5% 1429 1.9%Honda Jazz 113 76 48.7 1.5% 922 1.2%Ford Kuga 112 18 522.2 1.5% 952 1.3%Mazda Mazda3 109 151 -27.8 1.5% 1537 2.0%Toyota Aurion 107 23 365.2 1.4% 447 0.6%Holden Cruze 106 80 32.5 1.4% 1925 2.5%Hyundai Santa Fe 103 261 -60.5 1.4% 1847 2.4%Honda Civic 100 115 -13.0 1.3% 852 1.1%Mitsubishi Outlander 97 118 -17.8 1.3% 1258 1.7%Hyundai i30 95 103 -7.8 1.3% 1255 1.6%Nissan Qashqai 93 106 -12.3 1.2% 884 1.2%Toyota Landcruiser Prado 87 38 128.9 1.2% 557 0.7%Nissan x-Trail 86 52 65.4 1.2% 779 1.0%Ford Territory 83 137 -39.4 1.1% 1188 1.6%Volkswagen Tiguan 78 53 47.2 1.0% 689 0.9%Hyundai Accent 77 29 165.5 1.0% 572 0.8%Honda CRV 71 82 -13.4 1.0% 793 1.0%Mazda Mazda6 70 82 -14.6 0.9% 960 1.3%Mazda Mazda2 66 77 -14.3 0.9% 712 0.9%Ford Falcon 65 45 44.4 0.9% 835 1.1%Nissan Pathfinder 65 7 828.6 0.9% 191 0.3%Dodge Journey 64 46 39.1 0.9% 476 0.6%Jeep Grand Cherokee 64 39 64.1 0.9% 502 0.7%Ssangyong Korando 63 36 75.0 0.8% 480 0.6%Ford Fiesta 60 85 -29.4 0.8% 892 1.2%Bmw 116i 59 13 353.8 0.8% 378 0.5%Holden Malibu 58 - - 0.8% 334 0.4%Others2254 2130 5.8 30.2% 25936 34.1%total7453 6484 14.9 100.0% 76062 100.0%

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850 wds

5000  

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6500  

7000  

7500  

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8500  

Jan   Feb   Mar   Apr   May   Jun   Jul   Aug   Sep   Oct   Nov   Dec  

2012  

2013  

New Passenger registrations - 2012-2013

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26 www.autofile.co.nz

dairy sector’s performance is an important ingredient for most provincial and rural dealers’ bottom lines.

“However, being East Coast-based we have a lot of hill country

with sheep and beef farmers,” he says. “The dry-stock guys are doing well at the moment.

“The desire is still there for many farmers. Those who borrowed to buy farms will be having problems with cash flow, but those who own them have been through this before. It’s just one of those things.”

Gavin Murdoch, branch manager of Counties Toyota in Pukekohe, says: “Walk-ins and online inquiry have increased. Service has been steady and we have got the ability to grow.

“This is a lovely little town of about 26,000 people and we serve a wide area around it. Real-estate prices are creeping up and Aucklanders are finding more bang for their bucks in places such as Pukekohe.”

There were 3,441 new commercial vehicles sold in August – up by 335

units, or 10.8 per cent, on the same month of last year.

Ford’s Ranger was the country’s best-selling ute with 735 registrations. Toyota’s Hilux took out second on 544 while Holden’s Colorado came third with 285.

The blue oval topped August’s ladder for marques with 813 sales of new commercial vehicles. It was followed by Toyota on 791 and Holden with 295.

“There is no question a lot of franchised and non-franchised dealers are now focusing more on light commercials than in the past,” says Neil Macfarquhar, managing

director of Hoffman Ford in Pahiatua.“This has had the effect of over-

fuelling these vehicles’ wholesale prices in New Zealand for a number of months now.”

Macfarquhar told Autofile the

1750 2000 2250 2500 2750 3000 3250 3500 3750 4000 4250 4500

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

2013

2014

2015

New commercial sales - 2013-2015

ranger leads way with utes

New Commercial Sales by Make - August 2015

MAkE Aug'15 Aug'14 +/- % Aug'15 MkT shArE

2015 yEAr To DATE

2015 MkT shArE

Ford 813 636 27.8 23.6% 4,882 18.9%

Toyota 791 688 15.0 23.0% 5,438 21.1%

Holden 295 273 8.1 8.6% 2,515 9.7%

Isuzu 269 176 52.8 7.8% 1,911 7.4%

Nissan 185 107 72.9 5.4% 2,308 8.9%

Mitsubishi 177 194 -8.8 5.1% 1,612 6.2%

Volkswagen 108 133 -18.8 3.1% 948 3.7%

Mercedes-Benz 100 79 26.6 2.9% 406 1.6%

Mazda 95 143 -33.6 2.8% 961 3.7%

Hino 67 66 1.5 1.9% 433 1.7%

Fiat 60 39 53.8 1.7% 355 1.4%

Hyundai 60 50 20.0 1.7% 466 1.8%

Mitsubishi Fuso 60 77 -22.1 1.7% 408 1.6%

Ssangyong 52 69 -24.6 1.5% 498 1.9%

Great wall 44 56 -21.4 1.3% 360 1.4%

LDV 39 38 2.6 1.1% 313 1.2%

Foton 34 53 -35.8 1.0% 334 1.3%

DAF 23 12 91.7 0.7% 138 0.5%

UD Trucks 21 23 -8.7 0.6% 172 0.7%

Kenworth 17 15 13.3 0.5% 127 0.5%

Others 131 179 -26.8 3.8% 1,223 4.7%

Total 3,441 3,106 10.8 100.0% 25,808 100.0%

New Commercial Sales by Model - August 2015

MAkE MoDEl Aug'15 Aug'14 +/- % Aug'15 MkT shArE

2015 yEAr To DATE

2015 MkT shArE

Ford Ranger 735 548 34.1 21.4% 4,233 16.4%

Toyota Hilux 544 413 31.7 15.8% 3,577 13.9%

Holden Colorado 285 237 20.3 8.3% 2,396 9.3%

Toyota Hiace 230 254 -9.4 6.7% 1,653 6.4%

Nissan Navara 185 107 72.9 5.4% 2,308 8.9%

Mitsubishi Triton 177 105 68.6 5.1% 1,540 6.0%

Isuzu D-Max 150 80 87.5 4.4% 1,201 4.7%

Mazda BT-50 95 143 -33.6 2.8% 961 3.7%

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 82 55 49.1 2.4% 327 1.3%

Ford Transit 71 84 -15.5 2.1% 617 2.4%

Hyundai iLoad 60 47 27.7 1.7% 455 1.8%

Volkswagen Amarok 59 60 -1.7 1.7% 630 2.4%

Isuzu F Series 57 42 35.7 1.7% 293 1.1%

Ssangyong Actyon Sport 52 69 -24.6 1.5% 498 1.9%

Isuzu N Series 48 38 26.3 1.4% 301 1.2%

Fiat Ducato 42 31 35.5 1.2% 271 1.1%

Hino 500 33 35 -5.7 1.0% 221 0.9%

Foton Tunland 32 41 -22.0 0.9% 309 1.2%

LDV V80 29 38 -23.7 0.8% 292 1.1%

Great wall V240 28 44 -36.4 0.8% 259 1.0%

Others 447 635 -29.6 13.0% 3,466 13.4%

Total 3,441 3,106 10.8 100.0% 25,808 100.0%

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www.autofile.co.nz 27

Dealer reports issues with marketA businessman with more

than 50 years’ experience in the industry says buying

conditions are difficult at the moment.Rod Milner, owner of Rod Milner

Motors in Greenlane, Auckland, specialises in providing a wide range of disability vehicles and reports a “definite downward trend”.

“Recent drops in dairy prices have created a lot of uncertainty, particular with older people who always hold back during such times,” he told Autofile.

“The biggest problem we’ve got is replacing stock with the current exchange rate and pricing increases will start to filter through onto retail prices.

“It’s hard to buy in the current

market and what I’m seeing is a lot of stock being offered in the accident category, which I don’t sell. If someone undercuts me on a disability vehicle, it’s usually an accident vehicle.”

Milner says the public needs to be “very careful” and the industry should not lower its reputation by selling such stock.

He adds: “There’s plenty of damaged stock available in Japan

and it’s cheaper, so it’s a matter of if you have a conscience or not.”

On the flipside, Gavin Murdoch, branch manager of Counties Toyota in Pukekohe, reports the dealership has been getting plenty of trade-ins with the Hilux being run out.

“But with excellent deals available, prices of used Hiluxes have come down a bit,” he adds.

There were 735 used commercial vehicles sold in New Zealand in August. This was a 10.2 per cent increase on 667 registrations in the same month of 2014 and brought the total sold so far this year to 5,820.

Toyota secured its usual double of top-selling marque and model with 342 overall registrations and 259 Hiaces being sold.

300 350 400 450 500 550 600 650 700 750 800 850 900

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

2013

2014

2015

used commercial sales - 2013-2015

Used Commercial Sales by Make - August 2015

MAkE Aug'15 Aug'14 +/- % Aug'15 MkT shArE

2015 yEAr To DATE

2015 MkT shArE

Toyota 342 351 -2.6 46.5% 2,886 49.6%

Nissan 144 123 17.1 19.6% 1,105 19.0%

Mazda 48 37 29.7 6.5% 325 5.6%

Isuzu 32 35 -8.6 4.4% 248 4.3%

Chevrolet 27 14 92.9 3.7% 145 2.5%

Ford 24 24 0.0 3.3% 191 3.3%

Mitsubishi 23 19 21.1 3.1% 236 4.1%

Hino 18 12 50.0 2.4% 164 2.8%

Holden 15 11 36.4 2.0% 111 1.9%

Volkswagen 7 4 75.0 1.0% 42 0.7%

Ssangyong 6 0 600.0 0.8% 10 0.2%

Mercedes-Benz 5 3 66.7 0.7% 21 0.4%

Dodge 4 2 100.0 0.5% 35 0.6%

GMC 4 4 0.0 0.5% 33 0.6%

Kenworth 4 0 400.0 0.5% 30 0.5%

Suzuki 4 2 100.0 0.5% 19 0.3%

western Star 4 0 400.0 0.5% 6 0.1%

Fiat 3 7 -57.1 0.4% 48 0.8%

Iveco 3 0 300.0 0.4% 10 0.2%

MAN 3 2 50.0 0.4% 10 0.2%

Others 15 17 -11.8 2.0% 145 2.5%

Total 735 667 10.2 100.0% 5,820 100.0%

Used Commercial Sales by Model - August 2015

MAkE MoDEl Aug'15 Aug'14 +/- % Aug'15 MkT shArE

2015 yEAr To DATE

2015 MkT shArE

Toyota Hiace 259 256 1.2 35.2% 2,108 36.2%

Nissan Caravan 59 54 9.3 8.0% 476 8.2%

Mazda Bongo 33 22 50.0 4.5% 254 4.4%

Toyota Dyna 29 16 81.3 3.9% 241 4.1%

Nissan Vanette 25 31 -19.4 3.4% 226 3.9%

Isuzu Elf 22 19 15.8 3.0% 147 2.5%

Toyota Hilux 20 11 81.8 2.7% 109 1.9%

Nissan NV200 19 7 171.4 2.6% 126 2.2%

Nissan Navara 17 13 30.8 2.3% 92 1.6%

Mazda Titan 14 8 75.0 1.9% 55 0.9%

Toyota Toyoace 14 24 -41.7 1.9% 143 2.5%

Nissan Atlas 13 13 0.0 1.8% 107 1.8%

Chevrolet Silverado 13 6 116.7 1.8% 58 1.0%

Hino Dutro 12 4 200.0 1.6% 94 1.6%

Toyota Regius 12 32 -62.5 1.6% 220 3.8%

Mitsubishi Triton 9 3 200.0 1.2% 44 0.8%

Holden Commodore 8 6 33.3 1.1% 50 0.9%

Isuzu Forward 8 8 0.0 1.1% 67 1.2%

Ford F150 7 5 40.0 1.0% 36 0.6%

Ssangyong Actyon 6 0 600.0 0.8% 10 0.2%

Others 136 129 5.4 18.5% 1,157 19.9%

Total 735 667 10.2 100.0% 5,820 100.0%

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