New Zealand new vehicle registration are consistently on the rise and September was no different. As we enter the last quarter of the calendar year, we drive towards the record of vehicle registrations in New Zealand.

The statistics for September have 13,884 new vehicle registrations which is the highest number in September on record and the second highest of any month. Compared to last year, this is an 11% improvement for the same month and for the year to date tally the market has increased by 7.6%.

David Crawford, Chief Executive Officer of the Motor Industry Association says “Record strong immigration, high levels of economic activity in Auckland and elsewhere and record low interest rates are combining to give consumers and business confidence to purchase big-ticket items.”

The sports utility vehicles are leading the market share controlling 34% of vehicle segment break down. Next highest performer is the Pick Up/ Chassis Cab (both 4x4, 4x2) who have a 22% market share followed by small passenger vehicles with a 12% and light vehicles with 9%.

“If registrations of new vehicles continue at this pace, then it is possible we could see more than 140,000 new vehicles registered in a year for the first time.” said Mr Crawford.

Toyota was the overall market leader for the month of September with 17% market share (2,422 units) with Holden second on 12% (1,636 units) and Ford third with 10% (1,454 units). Toyota remains the passenger car and SUV market leader for the month of September with 17% share (1,692 units), with Holden second on 12% (1,197 units) and Mazda third with 9% (883 units). Ford retained the commercial vehicle market with 20% share (835 units) followed by Toyota with 17% (730 units) and Holden third with 11% (439 units). Year to date Ford has 21% (7,050 units) of the commercial market with Toyota on 20% (6,783 units).

The Ford Ranger is again both the monthly top selling commercial model for September with 18% market share (761 units), and the overall top selling model for the month of September. The Toyota Hilux was the second best commercial model with 13% market share (554 units) with the Holden Colorado at 10% (422 units). Year to date the Ford Ranger stretches its lead as the top selling commercial model with 19% market share (6,406 units) followed by the Toyota Hilux, with 14% market share (4,787 units).