The New Zealand new truck market returned to its record-breaking form in April –rebounding after its months-long streak of new monthly alltime bests cameto an end in March.

The bounce-back saw 372 trucks with a GVM of 4.5 tonnes or more registered in April, according to official NZ Transport Agency data.

That was a 7.2% improvement on the 347 previous best April, from last year. It also carried the year-to-date total at the end of the first four monthsto another new alltime best – the 1557 total 6.3% up on last year’s 1465.

The trailer market was at even better levels, with the 146 registered in April setting the new benchmark, 11% and 15 registrations ahead of the previousalltime best April – back in 2004.

It was 22 trailers and 17% ahead of April 2017 and the 530 YTD total at the end of April was 26% up on last year and 12% better than the old record, 2015’s474.

In the overall 4.5t to maximum GVM market, Isuzu was again the No. 1 for the month, with 74 registrations – taking its YTD total to 332.

However, says industry analyst Robin Yates, whose Marketing Hand consultancy prepares this registration report for NZ Truck & Driver, the market leaderhas actually lost ground in the past year, in terms of both market share and volume.

At the end of April last year, it had registered 342 for a market share of 23.3%. This year it’s down 10 units on that, with a 21.3% share. Similarly, second-placed Fuso slipped too – even a little further,in fact: Its 248 YTD saw it with a 15.9% share this year so far… compared to its 278 and 19% share at the same point last year.Two other major players also slipped back this year – Volvo falling from fourth (with 130 regos and an 8.9% share), down to fifth, with 101 and 6.5%.The winners include third-placed Hino – its 223 sales and 14.3% share a good improvement on last year’s 188 and 12.8%.