New Zealand’s new vehicle market accelerated in August 2025, with registrations rising sharply across both passenger and commercial sectors compared with the same month last year.
According to official figures, 11,736 vehicles were registered during the month, a 17.5 per cent increase on the 9986 recorded in August 2024. Passenger vehicles accounted for the bulk of the gains, lifting 19.6 per cent year-on-year to 8088 units, while commercial registrations climbed 13 per cent to 3648.
Toyota Drives Passenger Growth
Toyota was the standout performer in the passenger market, securing just under a quarter share with 1978 registrations (up 58 per cent from last year). Mitsubishi followed with 869 units, up 22 per cent, while Kia slipped 8 per cent to 778.
Ford more than doubled its passenger tally to 532 vehicles, with Mazda also improving to 513. Suzuki (346), Hyundai (344) and MG (329) rounded out the mid-tier, while GWM (264), Honda (245) and BMW (175) all posted gains. Subaru lifted from 133 to 166.
The Toyota RAV4 retained its crown as the nation’s top-selling passenger model, almost doubling its tally to 1039 units. The Ford Everest (413) and Mitsubishi ASX (397) followed, ahead of the Outlander (353) and Kia Seltos (315). Toyota’s Yaris Cross (181) and Corolla (167) also performed strongly, alongside MG’s ZS (160) and Hyundai’s Tucson (150).
Ford Ranger Stays on Top in Commercial Sector
The commercial segment also saw solid growth, led by Ford with 1115 registrations, up 20 per cent year-on-year. Toyota was close behind with 981 units, up 18 per cent, while Mitsubishi’s Triton slipped slightly to 262. Mercedes-Benz surged to 188, Isuzu recorded 161, and Nissan tallied 145.
LDV more than doubled its volume to 115, while Kia’s Tasman Ute made its first mark with 108 registrations. Iveco grew strongly to 75, while Fuso fell to 50.
The Ford Ranger continued its dominance as Australia’s most popular commercial model with 978 registrations. Toyota’s Hilux followed with 745, ahead of the Triton (262), Hiace (189) and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (160). The Nissan Navara (145), Ford Transit (137), and Tasman (108) also featured among the top contenders.
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