Jan 07 2013 a record year for Toyota: Hilux and Corolla stay on top

Press Release from Toyota New Zealand.

2013 was another record year for Toyota New Zealand, with its new car sales up 8.9 per cent on 2012.

Amid an extremely buoyant car market thanks to increasing consumer and rural spend,  Toyota New Zealand sold 24,262 Toyota and Lexus vehicles in 2013 – and was by far the most popular car brand in New Zealand with five vehicles in the top 10 sellers.

Toyota New Zealand General Manager of Sales Steve Prangnell says it’s been a stand-out year.

“So again we must thank New Zealand for its continued faith in our vehicles. 26 years at number one is a fantastic endorsement of Toyota by New Zealand.

“That’s supported by Corolla maintaining it’s top selling status with 5995 sold and Hilux coming in not far behind at number two.  Other Toyota vehicles in the New Zealand top ten were the RAV 4 (2728 sales), Yaris (2398 sales) and Hiace (2268 sales). Using our provisional figures, Toyota sold more of the top 10 vehicles than the four other manufacturers combined total.”

The 11th generation Toyota Corolla (Levin ZR Hatch Panorama Roof Model from $45,490)

The Corolla has been the country’s favourite passenger car in its segment for 16 out of the last 26 years, Mr Prangnell says.

“This year we are boosting the Corolla line-up again, introducing the all new Corolla Sedan, redesigned in Europe and offering improved comfort and drive experience.”

It was also a great year for the Hilux, now with 32 years of consecutive market leadership with 454 sold in December and 5039 units sold in total in 2013.  

To date, there are more than 100,000 Hilux in use around New Zealand. The rugged, reliable, go-anywhere trucks are seen on the urban streets, motorways, forestry tracks and paddocks; testament to the model’s endless popularity and rugged practicality.

Mr Prangnell says the Hilux is a cornerstone of the story of Toyota in New Zealand.

“Few nameplates can match it in terms of enduring appeal. It has quality, reliability and class-leading strong residual value. The Hilux is also now safer, more fuel efficient and more flexible to individual needs with the most comprehensive range of accessories and customisation options.

“It’s a reflection on the fact that these days Hilux is used as much for family adventuring and recreation as it is for industry, that our expanded line-up mixes all the comfort, convenience and technology of a modern vehicle with that indelible, rugged Hilux heritage. It remains a truck people aspire to own.”

Soon New Zealand will see the upgraded Hilux and Highlanders, Mr Prangnell says.

“Both have a loyal following and these new vehicles won’t disappoint.

“The Hilux 4WD now all enjoy a 5 star New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) safety rating, and customers can opt for the new petrol V6 option or a number of special editions we have planned. New Highlander – due to be released in late summer – promises new levels of comfort and performance and a seriously refined feel.”

Toyota’s used vehicle division also achieved a record of 8,312 sales.