New Zealand April 2021: Kia Stonic surges to #3 in market up 23.7% on two years ago

The Kia Stonic is up to #3 in New Zealand in April. Picture drivelife.co.nz

New vehicle sales in New Zealand soar 1167.7% year-on-year in April to 13.133 units on a devastated year-ago volume, lifting the year-to-date tally up 62.8% to 54.961. More significantly, April 2021 volumes are up a fantastic 23.7% on April 2019 and the year-to-date tally is up 11.2% on that of two years ago. This month passenger cars gain 719.7% to 1.828 and 13.9% share vs. 21.5% a year ago, SUVs are up 1354% to 6.979 and 53.1% share vs. 46.3% and light commercials are up 1506.7% to 3.808 and 29% share vs. 22.9% a year ago.

Brand-wise, Toyota (+1593.2%) holds onto the lead but drops to 14.4% share vs. 16.4% so far this year, with Mitsubishi (+4194.6%) very strong in 2nd place as is Ford (+2795.9%). Kia (+545%), leader a year ago, is shyer this time at 7% share vs. 8.3% year-to-date. Mazda (+1478.8%) rounds out the Top 5 ahead of Hyundai (+652.7%), Nissan (+2425.9%) and Suzuki (+542.2%). Volkswagen (+1981.8%) and MG (+4050%) also impress below.

In the models ranking, the Ford Ranger reclaims the top spot ahead of the Toyota Hilux but the Hilux remains on top year-to-date for just three units… The hero of the month is the  recently-launched Kia Stonic up 10 spots on March to land at a fantastic third place and top of the non-commercial vehicles. The Kia Sportage and Seltos pay the price with particularly low figures for the month. The Mitsubishi Outlander remains in 4th position ahead of the Toyota RAV4 and Mitsubishi ASX. The Toyota Corolla leads passenger cars at #9 overall vs. #18 last month. Notice also the MG ZS at #17 and Toyota Yaris Cross at #24.

Previous month: New Zealand March 2021: Kia (+197.7%), Mitsubishi (+151.2%) stand out in market rallying back up 87.6%

One year ago: New Zealand April 2020: Kia and Seltos secure first ever wins in market down -90.2%

Full April 2021 Top 70 All-brands and Top 25 models below.