New vehicle suppliers are growing increasingly optimistic about a sustained rebound in sales, as August results continue the upward trend that began earlier this year.
A total of 11,739 new vehicles were registered in August, slightly up from 11,671 in July and significantly ahead of the 9,986 units sold in August 2024—a year-on-year increase of 17.5%. This marks the third consecutive month of improved sales following a prolonged period of sluggish activity.
The data, compiled monthly by the Motor Industry Association (MIA), reflects a broader recovery in the sector. MIA Chief Executive Aimee Wiley noted that the momentum gained since June is cause for cautious optimism.
“We saw a sharp increase in June—possibly influenced by the Investment Boost announced in the May budget—and sales have held steady through July and August,” Wiley said. “That consistency is an encouraging sign that the market may be turning a corner.”
Sales of light passenger vehicles, including SUVs, rose to 8,090 in August, up from 7,635 in July and representing a 19.6% jump from the 6,761 units sold in August 2024.
The Toyota RAV4 remained the best-seller in this category with 1,039 registrations, followed by the Ford Everest (413) and Mitsubishi ASX (397).
Light commercial vehicle registrations totaled 3,031, down from 3,532 in July, and slightly below the 3,225 recorded in August 2024.
The Ford Ranger regained its long-held top spot after losing it in July, posting 978 registrations compared to the Toyota Hilux’s 745. The Mitsubishi Triton followed with 262 units sold.
The heavy commercial vehicle segment saw a solid performance, with 618 registrations in August—an increase from 504 in July, though slightly behind 649 units in August 2024.
In contrast to the broader market upswing, battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicle sales continued to decline.
Battery electric vehicle (BEV) registrations fell to 385, down from 638 in July and 564 in August 2024.
Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) sales reached 408, a decline from 749 in July, but an improvement over 231 sold in August last year. Hybrid vehicles maintained a relatively steady performance with 3,091 units, compared to 3,434 in July and 2,434 in August 2024.
Wiley expressed concern over the ongoing decline in BEV and PHEV sales, particularly in light of national carbon reduction goals.
“From an emissions perspective, the sustained drop in electric and plug-in hybrid sales is alarming,” she said.
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