New Zealand April 2019: Toyota (+37.9%) on the mend thanks to new RAV4

The new RAV4 (+390.7%) helps lift Toyota up 37.9% in April.

The New Zealand new vehicle market is up 2.1% year-on-year in April to 10.640 units, thanks solely to commercial vehicles up 8% whereas passenger cars and SUVs drop 1.2%, meaning the year-to-date tally is now down just -2.5% at 49.474. Once again commercial vehicles are the bright spot at +0.8% to 16.803 but passenger cars and SUVs skid down -4.1% to 32.671. After a horrendous start of year (-26.5% over Q1), brand leader Toyota (+37.9%) is finally on the mend, posting a spectacular surge in April to reach 17% share vs. 15% so far in 2019. Ford (+2.1%) matches the market growth in 2nd place while Mitsubishi (+22.2%) continues to shine in third. Only Hyundai (+38.9%) also manages a double-digit gains in the remainder of the Top 10, with Volkswagen (-18.7%), Mazda (-15.5%), Suzuki (-15.1%) and Holden (-14.6%) all struggling.  The Ford Ranger (+2%) remains the best-selling vehicle in the country ahead of the Toyota Hilux (+18.6%) but this month the Toyota RAV4 (+390.7%) spectacularly slides in third place thanks to the arrival of the new generation and the only non-pickup truck in the Top 5 as the Mitsubishi Triton (+79.8%) and Holden Colorado (+31%) follow.

Previous month: New Zealand March 2019: Toyota (-29.9%) sinks, Mitsubishi (+11%) shines in market down -5.4%

One year ago: New Zealand April 2018: Ford Ranger towers over market down 2%

Full April 2019 Top 70 All-brands and Top 30 models below.