Both the new and used sides of the truck market reported double digit growth in 2014 – with new doing even better than that.
The market for new trucks over 3500kg GVm hit 5149 for the year, up 21.9% from 4223 in 2013.
Meanwhile used import trucks were up 15.9% to 1412 from 1209 units.
December was behind the annual trend for new trucks, up 12% to 382 units from 341 the year before. Mercedes benz led with 81 units ahead of Mitsubishi Fuso on 73, Hino on 57, Isuzu on 47 and UD Trucks with 18 sales.
used registrations were up 31.2% to 122, last month.
In the new truck market, Isuzu was the 2014 leader, followed by Hino – which was just five units ahead of Mitsubishi Fuso.
Isuzu Truck sales and marketing manager Michael Doeg says that 2014 was a challenging and rewarding year for Isuzu Trucks with volume growth over 2013, and some strong product performances.
Doeg says the company is well on the way to achieving 15 years as the number one selling truck brand in new Zealand.
“2014 has ex- ceeded our forecast volumes, which is a direct reflection on the professionalism and focus of the Isuzu dealer network,” says Doeg
“The heavy seg- ment is a very important part of the New Zealand truck market. We saw the run out of our existing 460 and 530 HP giga product in preparation for new model Heavy Horse Power giga in 2015.
“That being said, we are currently in 3rd place in the heavy segment which gives us a great platform with which to launch our all new giga in 2015.
“our top selling truck series in 2014 has been the n series which is in line with our very strong market share in the light segment. Within that range we have had a number of good performers including our nl, nP and nQ models.
“The growth in 2014 has also been significant in the truck market which has grown over 24% year on year to the end of November…. Although I would like to see that continue in 2015, I remain conservative.
“I would see the truck market in 2015 remaining in growth cycle, however at a more conservative rate of approx. 3% year on year,” concludes Doeg.
