Vehicle imports have finally felt the force of COVID-19, down 45% in April compared to the month prior.
A total of 14,398 vehicles, including trucks and buses, hit the wharves in April compared to 26,387 in March, according to New Zealand Customs Motor Vehicle Statistics.
It’s the first big drop since the pandemic reached New Zealand with March figures still up more than 4900 units as vehicle imports continued to arrive with ships en route.
April saw a total of 11,774 cars arrive compared to 22,116 in the previous month.
New car imports were down with 5625 units compared to 8724 in the previous month. Used car imports were down with 6149 units compared to 13,392 in the previous month.
Total truck and van imports (new and used) were down in April with 2561 units compared to 4170 the previous month.
New trucks and vans were down with 2302 units compared to 3279 in the previous month. This includes 2090 under 3500kg GVM and 212 over 3500kg GVM.
Used trucks and vans were down with 259 units for the month compared to 891 in March. This includes 243 under 3500kg GVM and 16 over 3500kg GVM.
The total number of bus and coach imports was also down in April with 63 arrivals compared to 101 the previous month. This includes 61 new buses and coaches and 2 used for the month.
