A bumper month for new car registrations is a reflection of New Zealand's strong economy, the Motor Industry Association (MIA) says.
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Figures issued by the association showed 11,755 new vehicles (commercial and passenger) were registered last month, the highest number for March since 1984.
New commercial vehicle registrations were the highest since March 1982.
MIA chief executive David Crawford said the popularity of sports utility cars reflected overseas trends and a strong domestic economy.
Toyota was the market leader last month for both passenger and commercial cars.
The number of new commercial vehicles registered in the first three months of the year is outstripping 2014's record-breaking monthly totals.
More than 36,000 new commercial vehicles were registered last year, the highest number since association records began in 1981.