Toyota sales remain strong in New Zealand

TOYOTA SALES REMAIN STRONG IN NEW ZEALAND

New car sales in February have confirmed that high profile recall issues in the United States have had little impact on Toyota's sales in New Zealand.

In fact Toyota New Zealand reported another strong sales month in February which follows a dominating performance in January that saw Toyota capture 22.7 per cent of the total market with their volume up 15 per cent on January 2009.

That strong performance continued in February according to preliminary sales figures just released by Toyota New Zealand. Toyota's new vehicle sales for February are up 20 per cent on last year's figures, with the overall market showing an increase of around 10 per cent over the same period last year.

General Manager of Sales and Operations, Steve Prangnell says the sales momentum reflects the strong brand image and customer support for Toyota in New Zealand.

"Toyota's focus has always been the customer and it's been no different in New Zealand since we started business here in 1965.

"We've been openly communicating with our customers - both directly and through our dealer network - about the United States recall and they continue to honour us with their business.

"We're pleased to see that sales through our dealers are up 27 per cent on 2009, nearly three times the lift in the market.

"And what's particularly pleasing with this result is that these sales are to private family buyers and small fleet purchases who would certainly vote with their feet if they were worried about the brand."

The Toyota Corolla has been the number one selling passenger car for 22 years while the iconic Hilux has dominated the light truck segment for the past 28 years.

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Further information

Toyota New Zealand General Manager of Sales and Operations, Steve Prangnell is available for comment.

Please contact (06) 350 3460, 029 287 8866 or email: steve.prangnell@toyota.co.nz