August 2024 registrations of new vehicles in New Zealand were up 2.1% year on year to 9,990 due to a 71.2% surge in rental fleet deliveries ahead of the upcoming southern hemisphere summer tourist season.

The 1,471 sales to rental companies were the highest so far this year, the Motor Industry Association (MIA) said.

Year to date total new vehicle registrations were down 18.7% at 82,067 versus 100,913 YTD 2023.

Light passenger vehicle registrations last month dipped 4% to 6,765 units. Year to date sales were down 26.4% to 53,216.

Light commercial registrations of 2,576 were up 23.7% versus August 2023. YTD sales inched up 0.3% to 23,703.

The 649 heavy commercial registrations last month were off 12% year on year. Year to date sales were 2.3% higher at 5,148.

Top selling light passenger models: Toyota RAV4, 541 units and 8% share; Kia Seltos, 308 and 4.6%; Mitsubishi ASX, 286 and 4.2%.

Top selling light commercial models: Ford Ranger, 826 units and 32.1% share; Toyota Hilux, 687 and 26.7%; Mitsubishi Triton, 279 and 10.8%.