May LV Sales Set Single-Month Record in New Zealand

New Zealand’s new-vehicle sales continued their climb into unknown territory in May, as commercial-vehicle deliveries beat all records.

The Motor Industry Assn. says May sales rose 15.3% to 13,132 units. Passenger and SUV sales rose 11.8% to 8,387 units, but the star performer was the CV segment, up 29% to 4,745.

“It was not only the strongest month of May on record for the registration of new commercial vehicles, but the strongest month ever since the MIA began collecting vehicle stats in 1975,” the MIA says in a statement.

MIA President Glynn Tulloch says last month’s result confirms the growth seen so far this year is sustainable and shows every sign of continuing.

“Low interest rates, strong net immigration, strong New Zealand currency and a robust domestic economy continue to underpin the sales of new vehicles,” he says.

Through five months, the year-to-date result was up 14% at 63,244 units.

Toyota remained the market leader in May with 2,370 sales for an 18% market share. Ford followed with 1,495 units, ahead of Mazda (1,072), GM Holden (1,029) and Mitsubishi (1,028).

The passenger and SUV segment saw Toyota delivering 1,245 units, comfortably ahead of Mazda (886) and GM Holden (681).

May’s top-selling car and SUV models for the month were the Toyota RAV4 (391 units), Mazda CX-5 (330) and Kia Sportage (302).

The CV sector saw Toyota on top with 1,125 sales, Ford with 971 and Mitsubishi 501.

The Ford Ranger was May’s best-selling light truck with 889 units, ahead of the Toyota Hilux (819) and Mitsubishi Triton (501).

The Ranger was the top-selling light vehicle year-to-date with 3,800 units, ahead of the Hilux (3,105) and Toyota Corolla (1,827).