New Zealand May 2016: Ford Ranger leads, Mustang in Top 25

The Ford Mustang roars into the New Zealand 25 best-sellers in May. 

* See the Top 25 models and Top 70 All-brands by clicking on the title *

Nothing can stop the New Zealand new car market, up a further 11% in May to reach its best May score since the Motor Industry Association started collating data in 1975 at 11.180 registrations. The year-to-date total is also evolving at all-time record levels, up 5% on the same period in 2015 to 55.435 units. Toyota remains the most popular manufacturer in the country at 15.7% share (+9%) but Ford is catching up fast: up a fantastic 47% to 1.511 sales and 13.5% share vs. 12.2% year-to-date. Holden (-2%) rounds up the podium, followed by Mazda (+7%), Mitsubishi (+16%) and Hyundai (+4%). Nissan slumps 18% at #7 whereas Suzuki is up 28%, Kia up 79%, Mercedes up 22%, Subaru up 34% and Chinese LCV-maker LDV up 130% to #20 overall.

The Ford Ranger is the uncontested market leader in 2016. 

In the models ranking, the Ford Ranger improves 48% on the previous model a year ago to consolidate its market leadership at 755 sales and 6.8% vs. 573 and 5.1% (+42%) for the Toyota Hilux. Year-to-date, the Ranger is up 36% to 3.164 units vs. 2.453 (+17%) for the Hilux. The Holden Colorado climbs 22% to third place overall in May, distancing the Toyota Corolla (+4%), RAV4 (+32%) and Mitsubishi Triton (+30%). The Kia Sportage holds strong at #8, the Hyundai Tucson is up one spot on April to #8 and the Suzuki Vitara is back inside the Top 20 at #17. But the big surprise this month in New Zealand is the thunderous arrival of the Ford Mustang among the Top 25 best-sellers at #23, it also ranks #15 best-selling passenger car in the country and is, incredibly, Ford’s best-selling passenger car in New Zealand in May, outselling the Fiesta, Focus or any SUV the brand is selling in the country.

Previous month: New Zealand April 2016: Kia Sportage stuns in best April since 1982

One year ago: New Zealand May 2015: Ford Ranger cements newfound leadership

Full May 2016 Top 25 models and Top 70 All-brands below.