NZ Model Sales : 2021 (the 1,000 club)

I created a list of model sales, the qualifying standard being 1,000 sales. It covers most if not all sales but as such data is closely guarded, we are privileged to even this. Thirty seven made the cut. I colour coded the list to show where brands historically originated. The US get a few, Europe one courtesy of MG and that a tenuous connection. The rest is all Asian.  

With sales up 38%, there are plenty of  increased sales below. Ford takes the top spot with the Ranger pickup truck. As it sold 17,250 vehicles, Ford has many eggs in one basket, 73% to be precise. Toyota can only stand in awe at how its Hilux has to play second fiddle in this instance.  

Mitsubishi had a great year with registrations +95%. The Outlander was the top selling passenger car for the first time ever with a 169% gain. The Toyota Corolla was the best selling pc up until a couple of years ago but has now fallen to 4th place (7th here with pickup trucks added). 

South Africa Sales: 2021

Of all the countries in Africa, the most southerly one has been the best for gaining car sales data. That recently changed to the point that Naamsa offers only the most basic of information. 

That is understandable as it surely makes a living on selling this resource but disappointing for anyone wanting to know what's going on there. I have put it together from various sources and it's as close as I can get but is not quite 100%. 

The '+/-' column below is comparing market share variance for 2021 against 2020. Registrations were just above zero in December and +23% YTD. VW remains at the top, 4,500 sales ahead of Toyota, despite the latter closing the gap. In turn, Toyota has a clear advantage over Hyundai and Suzuki.

Points of note: 1) For the most part, premium marques are not doing as well as mainstream brands. 2) If light commercials were added, suddenly Toyota would be well ahead. It has sold 53,000 more light commercial vehicles than VW has so that puts Toyota nearly 50,000 sales ahead of its nearest competitor. 

Basic data source: Naamsa. 

Slovakia Sales: 2021

Registrations for cars were -22% for December and down -1% for the year. The '+/-' column below is comparing market share variance for 2021 with 2020. Škoda is a brand from the neighbouring Czech Republic but they were once a united entity so it seems that history has kept the brand in the hearts of the local populous. It is down a little but still commands over 1 in 5 sales. For an open market that's high. 

Below that there are some contrasting fortunes. Both Hyundai and Kia are both on the up, while Dacia and Renault are quite the opposite. Supply is sometimes at the root of variances but not always. It must be a challenge for manufacturers to prioritise what's the best in a fast changing market.