New truck registrations in January tracked largely as expected, recording a stronger start to the year than in 2021, but still some way behind record numbers.

According to NZTA provisional data there were 340 trucks (with a GVM of 4.5 tonnes-plus) registered in the first month of the new year, a solid 15.2% increase on the 295 sales in January 2021. However 2019 still provides the strongest January on record for truck sales with 416 registrations.

While truck sales increased it was mixed start overall for the transport industry. Official NZ Transport Agency registration data shows that trailer registrations were down year-on-year for the start of 2022 with 86 sales being 14.8% behind the January 2021 total of 101.

FUSO carried the momentum of its strong finish to 2021 to lead the truck market with 64 registrations in January. Hino also started the new year strongly, picking up from third in the 2022 market to claim second place in January with 56 registrations, ahead of Isuzu on 47.

There was no change at the top of the trailer market with Patchell continuing where it left off in 2021, still out in front of all rival brands. 

Behind the leading Japanese brand trio of FUSO, Hino and Isuzu in the 4.5t to maximum GVM truck market, the January figures showed 27 registrations for Scania to claim fourth position ahead of Kenworth (26), Mercedes-Benz (21), Iveco (18), UD (17), Foton (12) and DAF (12) to round out the top 10.

In the 3.5-4.5t crossover segment, Fiat (30) was the convincing leader ahead of Volkswagen (10) Mercedes-Benz (4), Renault (2) and Chevrolet (1).

In the 4.5-7.5t market segment Fuso (24) came in top ahead of Isuzu (22), Iveco (10), Mercedes-Benz (8) and Foton (8).

The 7.5-15t segment was closely contested – Isuzu registering 16 trucks in January, ahead of Hino (14), and Fuso (12). The leading trio were well clear of Foton (4), Hyundai (3), Iveco (2), UD (1) and Mercedes-Benz (1).

The small 15-20.5t category was led by Hino (10), ahead of UD (5), Fuso (3), Scania (3), MAN (2), Iveco (2) and Isuzu (1).  

The 20.5-23t segment was very quiet with Hino and Sinotruk each achieving one registration.

All of Kenworth’s 26 new registrations for January were in the premium 23t to maximum GVM category – making it the leader in a very tightly contested top end of the market.

Close behind sharing second place with 25 registrations each were FUSO and Hino while Scania (24) was also close. The top-10 was completed by DAF and Mercedes-Benz, tied with 12 registrations, followed by UD (11), Isuzu (8), MAN (8) and Volvo (6) rounding out the top 10. 

Patchell’s quest for a 13th consecutive year of market leadership got off to a good start, recording 10 sales in January.

Next were Roadmaster (7), Fruehauf (6), Freighter (6), M.T.E (5) and Domett, TMC, Transfleet and Transport Trailer all with four sales each. A tenth place tie involved Evans, Fairfax and Kraft all with 3 apiece.