January new vehicle registrations of 14,834 set another New Zealand record.
Sales were up 7.3% year on year and growth ran somewhat against expectations, the local Motor Industry Association (MIA) said.
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Passenger car and SUV registrations rose 6.4% to 10,797 units while commercial vehicle registrations slipped 9.9% to 4,037 units.
Toyota remained overall market leader with 22% share followed by Ford (11%) and Mazda (8%).
Toyota also topped passenger and SUV registrations.
The Toyota Corolla returned to the top of the best selling vehicle model table followed by the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux trucks.
The SUV medium segment accounted for 16% of the market, followed by the small passenger segment with 14% and the SUV compact with 13% market share.
"The key drivers of new vehicle sales remain the continued elevated levels of net immigration, low costs of debt, a strong national economy and a stable government," the MIA said.
