New market’s mixed fortunes

It was a tale of extremes as new vehicle registrations were flat overall in July and totalled 11,663 units, 25 more than in the same month last year. 

Performance varied considerably by vehicle type, with passenger vehicle registrations increasing by 14.7 per cent year on year, while light commercial registrations fell by 28.2 per cent and heavy commercial registrations were 20.9 per cent lower. 

Year to date, total registrations are 10.6 per cent ahead of the same period in 2025, according to Motor Industry Association (MIA) figures. 

It says this growth has been concentrated in the passenger vehicle market, with commercial vehicle registrations remaining comparatively subdued. 

Aimee Wiley, pictured, chief executive, adds: “The July result reflects a resilient market, but with increasingly divergent performance across vehicle segments. 

“Strong passenger vehicle registrations offset a significant decline in commercial vehicle registrations during the month. 

“Although the total market remains well ahead of last year on a year-to-date basis, the underlying results point to different purchasing conditions across vehicle segments.” 

The MIA says the broader economic outlook is gradually improving, creating a more supportive foundation for new vehicle demand over time. 

Lower fuel cost pressures and a more moderate interest rate outlook are expected to improve affordability and support household purchasing and business investment. 

It notes passenger vehicles are providing the strongest support to the market at present, while commercial registrations remain subdued. 

“Further improvement in household spending and business investment would support demand across a broader range of vehicle segments,” explains the MIA. 

“However, geopolitical instability, elevated freight costs and pressure on business confidence remain important risks for a sector that depends on global manufacturing and international supply chains.” 

Electric growth 

Battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles accounted for 29.8 per cent of all new vehicle registrations last month, compared with 11.8 per cent in July 2025. 

When traditional hybrids are included, EVs represented 56.6 per cent of the total new vehicle market. 

The MIA says the growth in the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) market share was most pronounced in the passenger vehicle segment. 

BEVs accounted for 22.3 per cent of passenger registrations and PHEVs for 14.4 per cent, giving the two technologies a combined share of 36.7 per cent in July. 

Year to date, BEV and PHEV passenger vehicles represented 28.5 per cent of registrations, more than double the 12.8 per cent share recorded during the same period in 2025.

“The increase reflects broader model choice, more competitive pricing and continued customer focus on operating costs, with battery electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid vehicles now available across a wider range of transport needs,” says Wiley.

Sales by sectors

Some 8,736 light passenger vehicles were registered in July, an increase of 1,122 units, or 14.7 per cent, from the same month of 2025. On a year-to-date basis, registrations increased by 7,902 units, or 15.1 per cent.

There were 2,518 light commercial vehicles sold last month, a decrease of 989 units, or 28.2 per cent. Registrations for this sector so far this year are down by 52 units, or 0.3 per cent, from the same period of 2025.

As for heavy commercials, 409 were registered in July. This was a decrease of 108 units, or 20.9 per cent, from a year ago. Registrations have increased by 97 units, or 3.2 per cent, year-to-date.