Sales surge buoys industry

The Motor Industry Association (MIA) is hopeful the market is finally emerging from a tough spell and heading into better times after sales continued their recent upward trend.

A total of 14,000 new vehicles were registered in September, up 19.1 per cent from 11,758 in the same month last year when the total was 11,758. Last month’s figure was also up from 11,731 units in August.

The MIA says a strong result for light passenger vehicles, which climbed 28.1 per cent month-on-month, helped drive the latest increase for the new-vehicle market.

New car and SUV registrations in September totalled 10,364, compared with 8,090 sales in August. 

Aimee Wiley, MIA’s chief executive, says given the continuing tight economic conditions in the country, the latest monthly sales figure is cause for encouragement.

“After a tough 18 months through 2024 and into the middle of this year, we have seen a sustained improvement in sales since June, so there are cautious hopes building among our members for better times ahead.” 

Sales of light commercial vehicles remained steady last month at 3,078 registrations, compared with 3,043 in August and 2,586 in September 2024. 

The MIA notes there was a muted revival in sales of battery electric vehicles (BEVs), with 608 registrations last month compared with 385 in August, but down from 868 in the same month a year ago.

Tesla’s Model Y was the top-selling BEV with 190 units, followed by the BYD Sealion 7 on 42 and Tesla’s Model 3 with 39.

Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) recorded 389 sales in September, down from 408 in August and from 417 a year ago. The GWM Haval H6 topped the PHEV chart with 49 sales.

As for hybrids, the 3,922 registrations last month was up from 3,091 in August and 3,300 in September 2024. Toyota’s RAV4 led this category with 1,281 sales, with the marque’s Corolla and Yaris Cross next on 434 and 212 respectively.