New Zealand August 2020: Kia (+43.8%), Ford (+24.4%) ignore market back in negative (-15.8%), Toyota C-HR scores first Top 10

The Toyota C-HR breaks into the NZ Top 10 for the first time.

Hampered by a new coronavirus lockdown in Auckland, the New Zealand new vehicle market is back in frank negative in August at -15.8% year-on-year to 10.610 units, leading to a year-to-date tally down -23.6% to 76.422. In the detail, Passenger Vehicles are down -16.8% to 7.076 for the month and -21.8% year-to-date to 51.128 while Commercial Vehicles are off -13.8% to 3.534 in August and -27.1% to 25.294 so far in 2020. Toyota (-13.4%) easily tops the brands ranking with 19.3% share, well above the 17.3% it commands YTD, but the heroes of the month are below, starting with Ford (+24.4%) surging to 12.7% share vs. 10% so far in 2020. Kia (+43.8%) scores the largest gain in the Top 10 and 19, advancing to 5th place while Suzuki (+6.9%) also manages an uptick at #7 vs. #10 last month. In contrast, Holden (-63.6%), Nissan (-55.1%) and Volkswagen (-20.3%) would rather forget about this month. Further down, MG (+90.2%), Mini (+32.8%) and Renault (+13.7%) make themselves noticed.

Over in the models ranking, the Ford Ranger (+31.5%) reclaims the overall top spot with a smashing 9.1% share vs. 6.5% year-to-date, pushing the Toyota RAV4 (+36.3%) down to #2 with 6% of the market. The Toyota Hilux (-24.1%) is stuck in third place above the Mitsubishi Triton (+8%) and Kia Sportage (+25.2%), both showing outstanding health. The Kia Seltos rallies back up 9 spots on July to #6 overall, one step above its YTD position. The Toyota C-HR gains 8 ranks on last month to break into the New Zealand Top 10 for the very first time with just under 2% share, cracking the YTD Top 20 as a result. The Suzuki Vitara (+33.9%) also impresses in the remainder of the Top 20.

Previous month: New Zealand July 2020: Toyota RAV4 tops market back in positive (+3.3%)

One year ago: New Zealand August 2019: Toyota (+3.2%), Holden (+3.6%) step up in market down for 4th month in a row (-4.4%)

Full August 2020 Top 65 All-brands and Top 25 models below.