Toyota New Zealand focused on holistic market leadership

Toyota New Zealand has announced today that its sights remain set on market leadership, not only in new vehicle sales but also reduction of CO₂ across their fleet and meeting the mobility needs of kiwis.

Toyota New Zealand Chief Executive Officer, Neeraj Lala says they take their responsibility as market leader seriously.

“Our responsibility as market leader extends beyond selling cars,” says Neeraj. “It extends to sustainability, meeting the mobility needs of kiwis to help them move freely, and contributing to the communities we operate in.”

“This moves beyond just introducing low emission products, it is also the journey towards mobility and car sharing technologies, development of the hydrogen economy, and contributing technological innovation to alternative sectors such as the flourishing marine industry through our long-standing relationship with Emirates Team New Zealand.”

“We are not being complacent on our bid for market leadership for a 35th consecutive year as we start to see our vehicle production return amidst global supply chain disruption,” says Neeraj.

“However, it is equally as important for Toyota’s business continuity that we continue to electrify our fleet and ensure that our carbon footprint for new vehicle sales is on a downward trajectory to meet our emissions objective.”

Toyota New Zealand sold 3,156^* new vehicles in the month of May, with an electrification mix of 34%^*. Year to date their CO₂ emissions for new vehicle sales sits at 162 g/km.

“It is telling that one of our top selling vehicles was the hybrid electric RAV4. We have seen an ever-increasing move to hybrid versions of our vehicles, as customers are able to now receive a Clean Car Discount for them,” says Neeraj.

The Toyota RAV4 was the second bestselling vehicle for Toyota for May with 925 units sold, with an 46% hybrid electric mix. This top selling vehicle was Hilux with 937 sales, and the third was Corolla with 307 sales.

“Our goal has always been depth and breadth of our range as we continue to move forward on our electrification journey, to ensure we are meeting the needs of all our kiwi customers.”

Lexus as a standalone brand for May had an 84% electrification of sales and an average of 102g of CO₂ per kilometre.  

Toyota’s used vehicle wholesales have also seen a large shift to electrification, with 45% hybrid electric vehicles in May and 43% hybrid electric vehicles year to date.

“The transition to electrification has to be affordable, accessible and safe for all kiwis and this has always been our company’s goal,” says Neeraj. “We are forging partnerships with both the government and not for profit groups to ensure we navigate this just transition on our journey to achieving net zero by 2050.”

“I acknowledge that some of our customers have been waiting a long time for their vehicles, and I do apologise for the delays. I remain highly optimistic that with our loyal customers we will deliver a record number of sales this year.”