The Israel Vehicle Importers Association reported that the number of new vehicle deliveries rose last March to an-all time high of 23,927, 30% more than in March 2013.

The association added that new vehicle deliveries totaled 72,393 in the first quarter, 26% over and above the corresponding quarter.

Hyundai had the most deliveries during the first quarter, at 9,257, 1.7% fewer than in the corresponding quarter. Toyota was in second place, with 8,074 deliveries, up 61%; Kia Motors was in third place, with 7,051 deliveries, up 31%; Mazda was in fourth place, with 5,972 deliveries, up 82%; and Suzuki was in fifth place, with 4,167 deliveries, up 46%.

Industry sources attribute the increase in deliveries to purchases by car leasing and rental companies, including for private leasing through aggressive marketing campaigns at large discounts. In addition, there is strong customer flow for new cars, especially for small and inexpensive cars.