Rav4 and Ranger strong as market recovers

After a shaky first half of the year, new-vehicle sales have now logged a third straight month of growth. Registrations in October reached 10,858 units, up 17 percent on the same month last year. Passenger cars and SUVs accounted for 8059 units, while 2799 commercials joined the fleet.

While volumes are still below the peaks seen in 2021 and 2022, the market appears to be finding its rhythm again. Fleet renewals and improving supply are providing momentum heading into the final quarter.

Passenger market steadying

Passenger and SUV registrations rose 16.9 percent compared with October 2024, led — as usual — by Toyota with 3232 units and a commanding 30 percent market share. That’s a 33 percent lift year-on-year.

Mitsubishi held second on 1151 units (down slightly), while Kia and Ford followed on 843 and 660 respectively. Hyundai saw the biggest gain among the top five, rising nearly 69 percent to 586 units.

The Toyota RAV4 continued its dominance of the passenger segment with 1636 registrations, well ahead of the Mitsubishi Outlander (590), Toyota Yaris Cross (552), Ford Everest (506), and Mitsubishi ASX (429).
October’s tally was the best monthly passenger result since March, confirming the modest but genuine recovery that began mid-winter.

Utes and vans still pulling weight

Commercial registrations climbed 10.8 percent year-on-year to 2799 units.
Toyota led again with 1020 units, ahead of Ford on 969, both recording double-digit gains. Mitsubishi placed third with 244, followed by LDV (138) and Isuzu (133).

The Ford Ranger remains the country’s best-selling vehicle overall, with 836 registrations for the month, while the Toyota Hilux wasn’t far behind on 759. The Mitsubishi Triton (244), Toyota Hiace (224), and Ford Transit (124) rounded out the leading commercial nameplates.

Industry feedback points to easing delivery bottlenecks and stable business confidence helping fleet and trade buyers return to the market.

Year-to-date picture

Across the first ten months of 2025, total new-vehicle registrations are running about 6 percent ahead of 2024. SUVs continue to dominate the mix, accounting for nearly three-quarters of all passenger sales, while hybrids make up a growing share of Toyota’s success.

Fleet buyers are still carrying much of the volume, but there are early signs of renewed private interest as pricing and finance conditions begin to stabilise.

Used imports still lagging

At the other end of the market, used-import arrivals remain subdued, with 7381 units registered in October — down 17 percent on the same month last year. It was the fourth consecutive month below 8000 units, continuing the trend of reduced supply and tighter affordability in the used sector.