Rotorua car sales rise by 23pc

The Toyota Hilux was not New Zealand's best selling ute in 2014, the first time in 32 years. Photo / File

Rotorua recorded a substantial growth in vehicle sales last year, latest figures show.

The Motor Trade Association released its 2014 vehicle sales report this week. It showed double-digit growth nationally across all categories with a 21 per cent increase in total sales compared to 2013.

Rotorua sales increased by 2 per cent more than the national average, at 23 per cent. Used imported passenger vehicles experienced the highest growth in Rotorua with 1260 New Zealand-new cars sold last year, a 51 per cent increase on 2013.

MTA chief executive Warwick Quinn said the national growth in sales had been huge and had been sustained for some years.

"If they were lined up end to end, the vehicles added to the fleet in 2014 would make a line longer than the driving distance from Kaitaia to Wellington.

"We now have the largest number of cars in this country, ever. Our figures indicate there are now 5.7 passenger vehicles for every 10 people."

The Toyota Hilux was knocked off its perch as New Zealand's best selling ute for the first time in 32 years, overtaken by the Ford Ranger.

Rotorua Toyota dealership manager Alastair Douglas said the Hilux was still the best selling 4WD ute, with the Ranger making up enough in 2WD sales to edge ahead overall.

"We haven't really noticed a change here, Rotorua is a forestry town and those guys need a 4WD and still prefer the Hilux. It's mostly people in cities that drive 2WD utes, and they're the ones switching to the Ranger."

Toyota Corollas dominated the new car market across New Zealand, selling double its nearest rival the Holden Commodore, while the Nissan Tiida took the top spot for used imports.

"We get a lot of people coming in asking for the Tiida in particular ... but Corollas have been the top seller here since forever," said Rotorua's Speedy 5000 caryard salesman Mounir Awache.