New vehicle registrations in New Zealand totalled 11,210 units in May 2025, holding steady with April’s performance.
According to data from New Zealand’s Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, this number included 7,041 passenger vehicles and 4,169 light commercial vehicles.
While year-to-date figures are slightly behind 2024 levels, May’s result highlights a stabilising trend, particularly with a notable rebound in Ute sales.
Passenger Market Led by Toyota and Mitsubishi
Toyota led the passenger vehicle segment in May with 1,411 registrations, maintaining a comfortable lead over Mitsubishi with 1,096. Ford followed in third with 647 units, with Kia (503) and MG (426) rounding out the top five.
Combined, these five brands accounted for more than half of all passenger vehicle registrations in May. Toyota and Mitsubishi continue to dominate year-to-date totals, though Ford and Kia are steadily closing the gap.
Strong Commercial Sales Boosted by Utes
In the commercial vehicle market, Toyota again led the field with 1,172 registrations, narrowly ahead of Ford with 1,060. Mitsubishi (417), Isuzu (333), and LDV (283) also performed strongly.
These five manufacturers accounted for over 80 percent of the light commercial market, with Toyota and Ford clearly benefiting from continued demand for Utes and vans.
Top Passenger Models Reflect SUV Preference
The Toyota RAV4 was the most registered passenger model in May, achieving 666 units. The Mitsubishi ASX followed with 457, ahead of the Ford Everest (277) and Kia Seltos (274). Mitsubishi made a second appearance in the top five with the Outlander at 167 units. The list shows the ongoing popularity of mid-size and compact SUVs among both private and fleet buyers.
Ford Ranger Regains Lead in Commercial Segment
The Ford Ranger reclaimed the top spot in the commercial vehicle segment with 1,051 registrations, just ahead of the Toyota Hilux on 910. The Nissan Navara (238), Mitsubishi Triton (159), and Toyota HiAce (134) rounded out the top five.
The strong performance of Utes points to renewed business confidence and may also reflect delivery delays from earlier in the year now being resolved.
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