New Zealand March 2012: Holden Cruze leads passenger cars

Holden Cruze

* NOW UPDATED with the Top 25 best-selling models! Click on title to see *

New Zealand car sales continue to hold very well in this start of year, up 3% year-on-year in March to 8,528 registrations, bringing the year-to-date total to 24,394 units, up 10% on 2011. After a few months of disruption due to the floods in Thailand, the Toyota Hilux is the best-selling vehicle in the country for the first time since last August with 280 sales and 3.3% share, ahead of the Nissan Navara at 242 units and 2.8%.

Rounding up the overall podium but leading all passenger cars is the Holden Cruze with 229 sales, just above last month’s leader the Suzuki Swift at 227 units. Excellent month for the Toyota Hiace, up 5 spots on last month to #5, while the Toyota Yaris is back in shape at #7 and the Ford Ranger is up 5 ranks to #8. #2 last month, the Toyota Corolla is down to #9 as the Holden Commodore is down to a devastating 12th position. Other good performers include the Toyota Camry at #11 and Mitsubishi Lancer at #13.

Previous month: New Zealand February 2012: Suzuki Swift climbs on top

One year ago: New Zealand March 2011: Toyota Hilux and Corolla on top

Full March 2012 Top 25 Ranking Table below.