DAMIEN O'CARROLL
The Toyota Hilux retains a slim lead overall, but the Ford Ranger had a good month in April, so is closing in on it.
Toyota is in a bit of a pinch. It has a range of desirable vehicles, proven by consistent top-five finishes in the monthly sales charts across a range of segments, but the factories can’t produce enough to sate local demand.
This is largely to do with the ongoing global semiconductor shortage, as well as Covid-19-related delays, which is hurting the production of vehicles from all brands, not just Toyota.
However, Toyota is also grappling with the supply and delivery of accessories, especially if they are sourced overseas. Strong demand in countries like Australia has pushed New Zealand further down the queue.