New Zealand September 2024: Rentals push Toyota up to 25.5% share

The Toyota Yaris Cross is up to a record 4th place in September.

New vehicle sales in New Zealand gain a sturdy 8.7% year-on-year in September to 11,777, yet September 2023 was off -26.5% on the year prior so we remain at low historical levels. The year-to-date volume remains in frank negative at -16.1% to 93,831. Passenger Cars are off a searing -16.8% to 1,684, but SUVs shoot up 12.8% to 6,874 and Light Commercials are up 29.4% to 2,594. Year-to-date, Passenger Cars sink -31.6% to 11,867, SUVs are off -20.9% and Light Commercials edge up 2.8% to 26,285.

The Top 5 brands all outpace the market. Toyota is up 13.5% to 25.5% share, its highest since last April and vs. 21.9% year-to-date, Ford surges 48% to 14.1%, Mitsubishi gains 71.4% to 11.7%, Kia soars 138.4% to 6.9% and Nissan is up 115.8% to 3.9%. Mazda (+54.5%) and Volkswagen (+11.5%) also shine in the remainder of the Top 10.

Model-wise, the Toyota RAV4 (+71.6%) shoots up to 10% share thanks to sales to rental companies that account for a whopping 87% of its volume this month. The Ford Ranger (+53.4%) is relegated to 2nd place despite a very strong year-on-year evolution. In fact the entire Top 9 outpaces the market with double-digit year-on-year gains or more. The Toyota Hilux (+15.6%) ranks #3 with a weak 5.3% share while the Toyota Yaris Cross (+21.5%) hits a new record ranking at #4, here too thanks to rental which represent 79% of its September tally. The Kia Seltos (+572.7%), Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross (+47%), Triton (+36.4%), Outlander (+35.1%) and ASX (+32.5%) also stand out and all fit within the Top 9.

Previous month: New Zealand August 2024: Volkswagen, Mitsubishi highlight stable market

One year ago: New Zealand September 2023: Tesla Model Y #1, MG 4 in Top 10

Full September 2024 Top 69 All brands and Top 20 models below.