BYD tops 1000 monthly registrations in New Zealand
Words: Kyle Cassidy
BYD has broken through the 1000-registration mark in New Zealand for the first time, recording 1090 vehicles in September 2026.
The company says the result is more than double its September tally last year and places it among New Zealand’s top five automotive brands in 2026. BYD also claims it is the first Chinese new energy vehicle brand to reach the monthly milestone locally.
The Atto 2 was its best-selling model in September. The newly introduced Atto 2 DM-i plug-in hybrid is priced from $34,990, with BYD expecting demand to continue growing.
The record month comes just weeks after the brand announced it had passed 15,000 vehicles on New Zealand roads. BYD entered the local market in 2022 and now its sales and service network spans 25 locations across both islands, with further sites confirmed.
“This represents real buyers choosing lower running costs, better technology and strong value, not a number built on subsidies or fleet deals,” said BYD Auto NZ general manager Warren Willmot.
“Not long ago BYD was a new name to most New Zealanders. This result makes us a mainstream volume brand, and we’re here for the long term,” said Willmot.
BYD says September registrations came from across its full local line-up, which now includes the Atto 1, Atto 2, Atto 3, Seal, Seal 6 Touring, Sealion 5, Sealion 6, Sealion 7, Sealion 8 and Shark 6.
The company expects growth to continue through the remainder of 2026, with stock available now and further shipments scheduled to reach New Zealand.
