New Zealand’s new vehicle market showed signs of renewed strength in September, with registrations rising across most segments, according to the latest data from the Motor Industry Association (MIA).
A total of 14,000 new vehicles were registered during the month, up 19.1 per cent from September 2024 and 2,242 units higher year-on-year. The market is now 7.5 per cent ahead year-to-date, an encouraging result after an extended period of subdued activity.
MIA Chief Executive Aimee Wiley said the steady lift since winter had given the industry renewed confidence, though challenges remain.
“After a tough 18 months through 2024 and into the middle of this year, we have seen a sustained improvement in sales since June, so there are cautious hopes building among our members for better times ahead,” Ms Wiley said.
Passenger Vehicles Lead the Charge
Light passenger vehicles, including cars and SUVs, drove much of the growth with 10,364 registrations in September, a 28 per cent increase on August’s total of 8,090. The Toyota RAV4 remained the top-selling model with 1,281 units, followed by the Mitsubishi Outlander with 810 and the Mitsubishi ASX with 805.
Light commercial vehicle sales held steady at 3,078, slightly up from 3,043 in August and higher than the 2,586 recorded a year earlier. The Ford Ranger led the segment with 827 registrations, followed by the Toyota Hilux with 769 and the Mitsubishi Triton with 342.
Heavy vehicle registrations eased slightly to 558, down from 606 in August and 601 in September 2024.
Electric Uptake Shows Modest Recovery
Battery-electric vehicle (BEV) registrations increased to 608 in September, up from 385 in August but below the 868 recorded in the same month last year. Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) reached 389 units, a small dip from 408 in August, while hybrid registrations rose to 3,922, up from 3,091 the previous month.
Ms Wiley said the sustained lift since June is an encouraging sign after a difficult period for the industry.
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