New Zealand October 2012: Rentals keep Toyota Corolla #1

Toyota Corolla

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

At 9,388 registrations, new car sales in New Zealand are up a huge 33% year-on-year in October, bringing the year-to-date total to 84,463 units, up 19% on 2011 and already almost as much as the Full Year 2011 total of 84,640 sales! Motor Trade Association spokesperson Ian Stronach says “October is often a strong month sales wise, with many of the new season’s rental fleet being included.” This and pre-sales of the new generation explain why the Toyota Corolla is #1 overall for the 5th time in the last 12 months after last November, December, January and September with 846 sales and a huge 9% share, 57% of which are rentals.

Toyota NZ General Manager of Sales Steve Prangnell says: “In New Zealand, Corolla has topped its segment for 28 years in a row, and has been the country’s favourite passenger car 15 out of the last 25 years.” In fact, this month’s performance is 60% ahead of October 2011 and enables the Corolla to also take the lead in the 2012 NZ year-to-date ranking thanks to 3,737 units and 4.4%, while the Toyota Hilux, #3 this month, is down to #2 year-to-date with 3.512 sales and 4.2%.

Toyota RAV4

The Ford Focus ranks #2 with sales up 325% to 344 (65% rentals), the Suzuki Swift is #4 at +69% to 299 and the Holden Commodore is #5 at +76% and 60% rentals. Notice also the Toyota RAV4 up to #6 with 279 sales (80% rentals), the Toyota Highlander up 4 spots on September and 176% year-on-year to #7 at 250 units (70% rentals), the Ford Mondeo back up to #9 and the Hyundai Accent up to #17 with 139 sales (87% rentals!).

Previous month: New Zealand September 2012: Toyota Corolla #1 thanks to rentals

One year ago: New Zealand October 2011: Toyota Yaris up to #3

Full October 2012 Top 25 and Top 10 Rentals Ranking Tables below.