New Zealand’s new vehicle market continued its growth trajectory in June, with registrations rising 13.5 per cent year-on-year as passenger vehicles and electrified models drove the strongest gains.
According to the Motor Industry Association (MIA), 13,438 new vehicles were registered during the month, lifting year-to-date registrations to 71,388 vehicles or 12.5 per cent higher than the first six months of 2025.
Passenger vehicles led the market, while battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) recorded their highest market share of the year.
Passenger vehicles lead market growth
Passenger vehicle registrations increased 21.0 per cent to 9,961 units during June. Heavy commercial vehicles also recorded solid growth, rising 23.0 per cent to 513 registrations, while light commercial vehicle sales declined 7.1 per cent to 2,964 units.
MIA said two clear trends had emerged during the first half of 2026.
“Firstly, the market has strengthened each month despite challenging economic conditions, led by passenger vehicles and supported by gains in light and heavy commercial segments,” said Aimee Wiley, Chief Executive Officer of the Motor Industry Association.
“And secondly, plug in vehicles have continued to command a greater share of the market as the year progresses – against a backdrop of fuel supply concerns and increased model availability.”
Electrified vehicles continue to gain ground
Electrified vehicles delivered their strongest monthly performance of 2026, with BEVs accounting for 20.4 per cent of all registrations and plug-in hybrids representing a further 10.4 per cent.
Within the passenger vehicle segment, BEVs and PHEVs together accounted for 38 per cent of all registrations, meaning more than one in every three new passenger vehicles registered during June was either battery electric or plug-in hybrid.
Registrations by fuel type
| Fuel Type | Registrations | Market Share |
| Petrol/Diesel/LPG | 6,061 | 45.1% |
| Hybrid | 3,237 | 24.1% |
| Battery Electric | 2,738 | 20.4% |
| Plug-in Hybrid | 1,402 | 10.4% |
The MIA noted that battery electric and plug-in hybrid registrations have accelerated since fuel prices began rising in March, with some June deliveries likely reflecting purchase agreements made during the recent fuel supply disruption.
Tesla Model Y leads monthly sales
The Tesla Model Y was New Zealand’s best-selling vehicle in June, ahead of the Ford Ranger and Toyota RAV4.
| Model | Registrations |
| Tesla Model Y | 908 |
| Ford Ranger | 872 |
| Toyota RAV4 | 821 |
| Toyota Hilux | 590 |
| Mitsubishi Triton | 436 |
| Toyota Corolla Cross | 309 |
| Kia Sportage | 303 |
| Ford Everest | 295 |
| GWM Haval H6 | 281 |
| Mitsubishi ASX | 273 |
Medium SUVs remain the most popular segment
Medium SUVs continued to dominate the market, accounting for nearly one-third of all new vehicle registrations during June.
| Segment | Registrations | Market Share |
| Medium SUV | 4,292 | 31.9% |
| Compact SUV | 2,787 | 20.7% |
| 4×4 Pickup/Chassis Cab | 2,139 | 15.9% |
| Large SUV | 1,083 | 8.1% |
| Small Cars | 694 | 5.2% |
Business buyers remain the largest customer group
Business customers accounted for almost half of all new vehicle registrations during the month, although private buyer activity also strengthened.
| Buyer Type | Registrations | Market Share |
| Business | 6,671 | 49.6% |
| Private | 5,838 | 43.4% |
| Rental | 714 | 5.3% |
| Government | 215 | 1.6% |
Did you find this article interesting? Click the ‘heart’ button above to give it a ‘like’!
