Market maintains record pace

WITH EXACTLY 500 NEW REGISTRATIONS FOR THE month, May 2023 is the third highest month of May on record for New Zealand heavy truck sales and the market continues to run ahead of previous benchmarks.

Overall truck market (4.5 tonnes to maximum GVM) registrations of 500 units is 18 units (-3.4%) behind the May 2019 record volume and 11 units behind May 2022.

But the consistently strong market in 2023 means year-to-date (YTD) registrations to the end of May continue at record levels. The 2452 registrations in the first five months of this year is 25.5% ahead compared to last year’s 1952 units and is 10.5% ahead of the pre-Covid best of 2218 registrations in January-May 2019.

The total of 148 new trailer registrations for the month is down on 2018’s best-ever May performance of 172. The 602 YTD total is also 14.2% down on the 2018 all-time record of 702 but is now 38 units ahead of the same five-month period last year.

Truck market leader Fuso continues to edge ahead of its rivals, achieving 97 registrations in May and taking its YTD total to 513. It’s a small but growing lead over second-placed Isuzu (497 YTD and 91 for the month).

Hino (330/73) retains third ahead of Scania continuing in fourth (238/53) position, while UD (126/32) moves ahead of Volvo (120/20) into fifth position. Iveco (111/18), DAF (107/16), Mercedes-Benz (92/20) and Foton (69/18) maintain position to complete the top-10.

In the crossover 3.5-4.5t GVM segment Fiat continues to lead the opposition, registering 73 YTD. However, the latest reports show no Fiat registrations for May 23. Ford (48/1) hold second while Mercedes-Benz

(44/3) retains third ahead of Iveco (34/3).

In the 4.5-7.5t GVM category, Fuso (268/54) is extending its YTD lead over Isuzu (140/31). Iveco (66/5) is third YTD, ahead of Hino (80/25), Iveco (75/17), Foton (68/25) and Mercedes-Benz (64/7).

The 7.5-15t GVM division sees Isuzu (226/36) continuing to grow its lead over Hino (94/19) and FUSO (79/20). Foton (42/11) and Iveco (15/2) are a long way back in fourth and fifth respectively.

In the small 15-20.5t GVM class, Hino (37/8) retains the YTD lead ahead of second-ranked UD (23/6) who move ahead of Fuso (20/2). Scania (13/4), Mercedes-Benz (8/1) both retain top-five rankings YTD. Hino (12/7) continue to dominate the tiny 20.5-23t segment with 7 registrations for the month, followed by Isuzu (2/0), Fuso (1/1). Volvo and DAF have joined this segment with their first 2023 registrations during May.

In the premium 23t to maximum GVM market, Scania is strengthening its leadership with an impressive 49 registrations for the month taking its YTD total in 225 units. Fuso (144/20) is second followed by Hino (133/27) in third.

Isuzu (114/19) remains in fourth position followed by Volvo (114/19), DAF (100/14) and UD (100/24) in a tie for sixth. Kenworth (62/130, Mercedes-Benz (64/18) and MAN (42/7) complete the top-10.

Fruehauf (74/20) led the monthly trailer registrations again during May – just as it has every month this year.

Patchell (60/12) remains in second position ahead of Transport Trailers (45/11), Roadmaster (43/8), TMC (39/8), Domett (35/9), and M.T.E (28/6). Freighter (19/9), Transfleet (18/5) and Fairfax (15/4) round out the top-10. T&D

Everfresh Transport driver Tanga Walsh is driving a new International 9870 T8, the latest addition to the 35-strong Everfresh fleet. The Hastings based 8x4 tractor is moving containers nationwide and is powered by a 615hp Cummins X15 developing 2050 lb-ft of torque with a Roadranger 20918B and Meritor 46-160 rear axle. Features include an Aero kit, Ox Blood red interior, under bunk fridge, ECAS suspension, factory fitted sliding fifth wheel, stone guard and Alcoa Dura-bright alloy wheels.