Corolla back at number one as Toyota sales continue upward

MEDIA RELEASE

6 October 2011

Corolla back at number one as Toyota sales continue upward curve

New Zealand’s favourite passenger car and reigning ‘car of the decade’ – the Toyota Corolla – has regained its number one spot on the national sales charts, both for the month of September and year to date.

Official data shows Corolla outsold all other passenger and commercial vehicles in September, and Toyota’s iconic Hilux took a strong second place. Toyota dominated the September market, with four vehicles in the top 10 – the others being the Highlander SUV and the Hiace.

Steve Prangnell, general manager Sales and Operations, says the sales figures reflect the full recovery of Toyota’s international supply chain, which slowed for several months after Japan’s earthquake and tsunami.

“To have Hilux at the top of the overall year to date table, and Corolla a strong second, is incredibly pleasing. It shows Kiwis trust the Toyota brand and keep turning to the vehicles they know and love.”

“The launch of the all-new Hilux at the end of September has given even more impetus to the truck’s sales momentum.”

Steve Prangnell says Toyota is slowly clawing back its traditional lead in the passenger segment, with the gap extending from 3.7 per cent at the end of August, to almost 6 per cent at the end of September.

“This is below what we’re used to, due to the supply problems earlier in the year, but the key is that we are recovering, and recovering strongly. We expect to see this gap continue to grow as the year comes to a close.”

He says Toyota is anticipating yet another ‘triple crown’ in 2011, topping the passenger, commercial and overall sales markets. Toyota has opened up a 9 per cent gap over its nearest rival in the overall market share table (year to date).

In the nine months to the end of September, Toyota has sold about 5,800 more vehicles than its nearest rival.

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