Sales of new vehicles surged in August, suggesting annual sales may reach a new record this year, as the lower prices offered by a strong New Zealand dollar and a buoyant economy drive demand.

Registrations for new commercial vehicles rose to 3,106 in August, the strongest level since the Motor Industry Association began collecting the data in 1981, the Lower Hutt-based organisation said in a statement.

Sales of new commercial vehicles so far in 2014 are 21% ahead of the same period last year and sales may exceed 36,000 by the end of the year, some 5,000 ahead of last year's record, the MIA said.

Meanwhile, sales of new passenger vehicles rose 3.7% to 7,083 in August from the year earlier month, with sales so far this year up 9.6% from the same period a year earlier.

Motor vehicle sales are considered a leading economic growth indicator as buyers need confidence in the outlook to make a significant purchase. Sales of new vehicles, which includes passenger and commercial, so far this year are 13% ahead of the same period in 2013 and at the current pace are set to reach a new record of 124,000 by the end of the year, the MIA said.

Aichi, Japan-based Toyota Motor Co was the top selling brand in August, with an 18% share of sales, followed by Michigan, US-based Ford Motor Co with an 11% share and Holden New Zealand, the local unit of Detroit, US-based General Motors Co, also with an 11% share, the MIA said.

The Ford Ranger was the top selling commercial model for August, followed by the Toyota Hilux and the Toyota Hiace, the MIA said.

For passenger vehicles, the Toyota Corolla was the best seller, followed by the Holden Commodore and the Honda Jazz, the MIA said.

Source:One News