NZ Sales: Return of balance in September

NEW ZEALAND’S new vehicle sales are up an impressive 13.5 per cent for October, the month finishing with 14,240 unit registrations.

It is the fourth consecutive month of year-on-year growth, the results pointing to “cautious resilience in the face of continued economic headwinds”, says New Zealand Motor Industry Association chief executive Aimee Wiley.

“The past four months have shown pleasing and sustained improvement, but the overall economy remains subdued and the market fragile,” she said.

“Conditions are still tight, with households under pressure and confidence only beginning to recover.

“The modest lift in registrations signals stabilisation rather than expansion – a gradual firming as the market starts to find its feet.”

Infometrics data shows that New Zealand’s economy remains subdued, though the pace of decline is easing.

GDP fell 0.8 per cent in the year to June 2025, consumer spending dropped 1.7 per cent, and employment declined 1.5 per cent, pushing unemployment to 5.0 per cent.

The Reserve Bank’s October cut to 2.5 per cent has provided some relief, but conditions remain uneven across sectors.

Stronger primary export returns continue to offset weakness in construction, manufacturing, and urban consumption.

For October new vehicle sales, we find passenger models (including SUVs) again at the top of the market with 10,712 recorded registrations, up 12.9 per cent on the same time last year.

Sales of hybrid-powered models remain dominant as buyers focus on fuel efficiency and running costs in a cautious spending environment.

The Toyota RAV4 was New Zealand’s top-selling model with 1636 registrations, followed by the Mitsubishi Outlander (590), and the Toyota Yaris Cross (552).

Light commercial vehicles totalled 2918 registrations, down slightly from 3078 in September but 22.8 per cent higher than October 2024.

The Ford Ranger again led the segment with 836 sales, ahead of the Toyota Hilux (759) and Mitsubishi Triton (244).

Heavy commercial vehicles recorded 610 registrations, up from 558 in August but below 685 a year earlier, reflecting continued softness in construction and freight activity.

In the light passenger low-emission segment, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) fell to 507 registrations, down from 608 in September and 648 a year earlier

Conversely, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) rose to 503 units, up from 389 last month and 345 in October 2024.

Hybrid-electric vehicles (HEVs) showed the strongest growth, with 4669 registrations, up from 3922 in September and 3347 a year earlier.

However, the MIA says October’s new car sales results point to a stabilising market rather than a rebound.

While economic conditions remain tight and overall sentiment cautious, easing finance costs, resilient rural demand, and sustained growth in hybrid and plug-in hybrid sales suggest the new-vehicle sector is gradually regaining balance after an extended period of softness.

Top 10 sales by Make (October passenger, SUV and light commercial)*:

Top 10 sales by Model (October passenger and SUV)*:

Top 10 sales by Model (October light commercial)*:

*All figures are supplied courtesy of the Motor Industry Association of New Zealand.