Registrations lift for all categories except cars

Vehicle Registrations September 2016


  Sep 16 Aug 16 Jul 16
Jun 16

New Registrations
281 254 307 300

The September 2016 vehicle registrations picked up by 27 vehicles (10.6%) over the month, which was higher compared to performance last month where vehicle registrations slowed by 54 vehicles (17.3%). In addition, this monthly growth is higher than growth of 16 vehicles (8.2%) in September 2015. The rise in the total number of vehicles registered was due mainly to an increase in all categories except for cars. Motor cycles increased the most by 13 registrations, following two consecutive months of no registrations. This is largely attributed to the extension of one of the rental car businesses to motor cycles, as advised by the Ministry of Infrastructure & Tourism. The registration of heavy vehicles rose by 10 vehicles (41.7%). In addition, the registration of government vehicles, light vehicles and buses rose by 3 (42.9%), 2 (1.9%), and 2 (none in previous month) respectively. This offset a decline in the car registrations which fell by 4 registrations (3.8%). The higher vehicle registrations over the month were consistent with a slight increase in vehicle import payments of $0.2 million (10.3%).

Over the year to September 2016, the number of vehicles registered rose by 817 vehicles (33.8%). This was due mainly to an increase in car registrations which increased by 313 vehicles (31.4%) and the registration of light vehicles rose by 285 registrations (30.0%). The payments made for the import of vehicles also increased over the year by $6.7 million (74.3%) to $15.6 million. Additionally, this coincided with a $0.3 million (75.4%) growth in vehicle loans over the year. A rise in the purchasing power of returning Recognized Seasonal Employees (RSE) workers from overseas may have contributed to the higher vehicle registrations over the year.

Looking forward, vehicle registrations are projected to increase firmly in the near term, despite the expected increase in fuel prices. This forecast is due mainly to an anticipated higher demand for vehicles as a result of an increase in New Zealand’s Recognised Seasonal Employment Scheme from 9,500 to 10,500 places in 2017-18. Anticipated growth for the tourism sector is expected to have positive spill over effects on the transportation sector, and therefore vehicle registrations, specifically for public transport, car rental providers, and taxis.


Download the full report: Vehicle Registrations - September 2016

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