NZ new car sales start off well in 2026

New-vehicle registrations in New Zealand started 2026 on a positive note, with solid growth in the passenger car market offsetting a slight decline in commercial vehicle volumes.

A total of 11,807 new vehicles were registered in January, representing an 8.7 percent increase on the 10,858 units recorded in January 2025. Passenger vehicles accounted for the bulk of the growth, rising 12.1 percent year-on-year to 9038 registrations, while the commercial sector slipped 1.1 percent to 2769 units.

Mitsubishi posts strong gains in passenger market

Toyota retained its position as the country’s leading passenger brand, registering 1868 vehicles, up 10.5 percent, and claiming a 20.7 percent market share. Mitsubishi delivered the standout result for the month, surging 61 percent to 1070 registrations to move into second place.

Kia followed with 990 registrations, up 15.4 percent, while Ford increased 17.6 percent to 441 units. Mazda rose 26.9 percent to 420, MG lifted 27.7 percent to 410, and BYD more than doubled its January 2025 result with 360 registrations, up 113 percent. Chinese brand Chery also made an impact, recording 212 units in its first full year of sales.

Several brands went against the trend, with Suzuki down 24.7 percent, Nissan falling 43.7 percent, and Honda declining 23.3 percent.

The Toyota RAV4 remained New Zealand’s top-selling passenger model with 641 registrations, ahead of the Mitsubishi ASX (492) and Outlander (363). The Kia Stonic (354) and Toyota Corolla Cross (334) rounded out the top five.

Ford regains commercial crown

In the commercial segment, Ford reclaimed market leadership with 775 registrations, a 20.7 percent increase year-on-year. Toyota dropped to second place with 485 units, down 36.6 percent compared with a strong January last year.

Nissan recorded the biggest commercial gain, surging 140 percent to 405 registrations, driven by demand for the latest Navara. Mitsubishi posted 234 units, Isuzu rose 32.3 percent to 168, while BYD’s Shark 6 recorded 85 registrations.

The Ford Ranger once again dominated the commercial model charts with 688 units, well ahead of the Nissan Navara (405). The Toyota Hiace (255), Mitsubishi Triton (234) and Toyota Hilux (217) completed the top five.