Hawaii’s vehicle sales dipped nearly 2 percent in the second quarter of the year compared to last year, as measured by new vehicle registrations. However, a new report published by Pennsylvania-based Auto Outlook Inc. also finds a 1.1 uptick for the first half of the year. 

The Hawaii Automobile Dealers Association, which commissions the Hawaii Auto Outlook report, earlier predicted sales would not begin to return to a robust level until this month. Some dealers are reporting positive sales trends, according to a HADA statement, while others are facing tight inventories due to the March earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

New product introductions led to big gains in sales for Kia, Hyundai, Buick and Jeep, while sales of compact SUVs led the light truck segment for the first half of the year.