New vehicle registrations in New Zealand in May 2018 rose 7.9% year on year to 14,169 units.
This, the local Motor Industry Association said, was "on the back of pre-field day [the annual agricultural industry fair] specials" and also the strongest result for May on record.
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Year to date volume was up by 2.7% to 64,889 vehicles.
Registrations of 9,276 passenger and SUV vehicles last month were up 10.5% while commercial vehicle sales registrations rose 3% to 4,893.
Toyota remained overall market leader with an 18% share followed by Ford (11%) and Mazda (8%).
Toyota regained leadership in passenger and SUV registrations with a 19% share followed by Mazda (9%) and Hyundai (also 9%).
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By GlobalDataIn commercials, Ford remained in charge with a 23% share followed by Toyota (16%) and Nissan (10%).
Four of the top five selling models in May were light commercial vehicles. Ford's Ranger was back at the top of the sales chart followed by the Toyota Hilux and Highlander.
SUV Medium was top segment last month, accounting for 16% of sales. This was closely followed by Pick Up/Chassis Cab 4×4 (15%) and SUV Large (also 15%). The top five segments were all either light commercial vehicles or SUVs, reflecting the ongoing popularity of these vehicles.
SUVs accounted for 43% market share and light commercials 30%, reflecting the ongoing shift in purchasing patterns.
"The market for new vehicles continues to operate at historically high levels with registrations underpinned by a range of positive economic factors and a wide choice of models at competitive prices," MIA CEO David Crawford said.
