The New Zealand new vehicle market continues to show strong resilience and activity in 2025. As of June 2025, the Motor Industry Association (MIA) reports that a total of 8,232 new passenger and commercial vehicles were registered across the country — the second-highest monthly total of the year so far, following closely behind March’s 8,399 units.
Year-to-Date Total: 44,514 New Vehicles Registered
From January through June 2025, 44,514 new vehicles have been registered in New Zealand. This marks a robust pace for the automotive sector amid global supply chain recoveries, increasing EV interest, and strong consumer demand.
Top Selling Car Brands – June 2025
These brands led the charge in new vehicle registrations in June:
| Rank | Make | Units Sold |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toyota | 1,525 |
| 2 | Kia | 835 |
| 3 | Mitsubishi | 808 |
| 4 | Mazda | 301 |
| 5 | Subaru | 280 |
| 6 | Hyundai | 277 |
| 7 | Honda | 249 |
| 8 | GWM | 366 |
| 9 | BYD | 415 |
| 10 | MG | 232 |
Toyota continues to dominate the market, followed by Kia and Mitsubishi, showcasing strong consumer loyalty and wide model availability.
Electric and hybrid-focused brands such as BYD, GWM, and MG also made impressive gains, pointing to a sustained shift toward low-emission vehicles.
Lowest Selling Brands – June 2025
Several niche or luxury brands saw minimal activity during June:
| Make | Units Sold |
|---|---|
| Bentley | 0 |
| LDV | 0 |
| Opel | 0 |
| Smart | 1 |
| Lotus | 1 |
| Morgan | 0 |
| SsangYong | 0 |
| ForThing | 0 |
While these brands serve more specialized markets or are in limited supply, their low registration numbers highlight the competitive and mainstream-focused nature of the NZ car market.
EV & Emerging Brands – Worth Watching
June saw a continued rise in emerging and electric-focused brands:
BYD delivered 415 units – its highest month this year, outpacing many legacy brands.
GWM reached 366 units, also marking a strong June performance.
Tesla surged with 457 units, its best month in 2025 to date.
Chery entered the market with 27 units after months of no activity.
These results confirm growing consumer interest in EVs and new entrants offering competitive price points and features.
Mid-Year 2025 Summary – Top Performers (YTD)
As of June 2025, the top 5 brands based on year-to-date registrations are:
| Rank | Make | YTD Sales |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toyota | 9,068 |
| 2 | Mitsubishi | 4,516 |
| 3 | Kia | 4,375 |
| 4 | Suzuki | 2,289 |
| 5 | MG | 2,023 |
Toyota continues its reign, while Mitsubishi and Kia have solidified their positions as top-tier contenders in the local market.
Final Thoughts
The June 2025 car sales data highlights a healthy, competitive market in New Zealand. Legacy leaders like Toyota and Mitsubishi continue their dominance, but the rise of EV brands like Tesla, BYD, and GWM signals a shifting consumer landscape prioritizing sustainability, innovation, and value.
As we move into the second half of 2025, all eyes will be on whether these trends accelerate further — and how established brands adapt to the evolving preferences of Kiwi drivers.
Stay tuned to kiaoracars for monthly updates, market insights, and the latest car listings across New Zealand.
