Rentals boost registrations
Rental companies boosting their vehicle stocks before summer demand was a major contributor to the strongest month of the year for vehicle sales, according to the Motor Trade Association (MTA).
It notes the 16,374 new-vehicle registrations in September were up 22 per cent from the same month a year ago. Meanwhile, used imports rose 14.5 per cent to 8407 over the same period.
Larry Fallowfield, MTA sector manager – dealer and specialist services, says company and rental buyers accounted for a combined 68 per cent of all new-vehicle sales.
“Rental companies traditionally secure significant volumes of vehicles ahead of the peak summer tourism season,” he explains.
“With overseas tourist visits almost back to pre-Covid levels, operators are clearly anticipating high demand this summer.”
Government data shows New Zealand had 3.67 million overseas visitors in the year ending June 2026, an increase of 299,300 or nine per cent on the previous year. More than 201,900 international visitors arrived in June 2026, up 8.1 per cent on June 2025 and reaching 95 per cent of June 2019 levels.
The MTA adds the passenger vehicle segment was the standout performer in September, increasing 27.9 per cent to 13,244 registrations, and Chinese brands BYD, MG and Geely all recorded substantial gains.
“Demand remains heavily focused on hybrid SUVs, with the Toyota Corolla Cross taking pole position as the month’s top-selling passenger vehicle – believed to be for the first time – followed by the Mitsubishi Outlander,” continues Fallowfield, pictured..
The biggest change in the light commercial vehicle sector was BYD’s continued emergence as it became the first Chinese brand to record more than 1000 registrations in a month, with the Shark 6 gaining popularity among business and fleet buyers.
Chinese manufacturers accounted for 22.6 per cent of all new vehicle registrations in September, more than tripling their market share since early 2024.
The MTA says brands such as BYD, MG, GWM, Chery and Geely are increasingly challenging traditional market leaders across passenger and commercial sectors.
Fallowfield notes hybrid vehicles remain the preferred powertrain across most buyer groups, particularly among fleet and rental operators.
“That clearly continues the trend we’ve seen since the start of the Iran war of demand for lower-emission vehicles that offer fuel savings.”
