New Zealand new-vehicle registrations for July reached 11,663, marking a difference of just 25 vehicles compared to the same month last year. However, according to the Motor Industry Association (MIA), that flat headline figure masks a rapidly changing market defined by plunging commercial sales and surging passenger numbers.
Divergent Paths for Passenger and Commercial Segments
Overall sales hardly changed year-on-year, but the underlying vehicle segments moved in opposite directions. Passenger car registrations jumped 14.7% during the month, according to MIA data. Meanwhile, light commercials struggled significantly. Utes and vans slumped by 28.2%, and heavy vehicles dropped 20.2% compared to the previous year.
“The July result reflects a resilient market, but with increasingly divergent performance across vehicle segments,” according to MIA chief executive Aimee Wiley. Wiley notes that strong passenger vehicle registrations offset the steep decline in commercial vehicle sales. On a year-to-date basis, the total market remains 10.6% ahead of the same period in 2025.
Did you know? Despite the sharp drop in light commercial registrations, the Ford Ranger managed to claim the top spot as the best-selling overall vehicle in July with 738 registrations, according to MIA figures.
Electrification Drives Passenger Growth
Passenger vehicles acted as the primary engine behind the continued strong adoption of plug-in vehicles. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) accounted for 22.3% of passenger registrations, while plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) contributed another 14.4%, based on MIA tracking.
Across the broader market, BEVs and PHEVs captured nearly 30% of all new-vehicle registrations in July. When non-plug-in hybrids are included, electrified models accounted for 56.6% of total registrations for the month.
Top-Selling Models Dominate Year-To-Date Charts
Market preferences shifted notably across individual nameplates despite commercial headwinds. Following the Ford Ranger’s leading 738 registrations in July, the Toyota RAV4 placed second with 699 registrations, according to the MIA. The Toyota Hilux followed closely with 608 registrations, the Tesla Model Y recorded 403, and the Mitsubishi Triton reached 335.
Looking at the year-to-date figures released by the industry group, the top 10 new vehicles nationwide include:
- Ford Ranger: 5,651
- Toyota Hilux: 4,271
- Toyota RAV4: 3,918
- Tesla Model Y: 2,311
- Mitsubishi Triton: 2,264
- Mitsubishi ASX: 1,986
- Toyota Corolla Cross: 1,796
- Mitsubishi Outlander: 1,725
- Toyota Hiace: 1,688
- Ford Everest: 1,646
Frequently Asked Questions
What were total new-vehicle registrations in July?
Total new-vehicle registrations reached 11,663 in July, which was just 25 vehicles more than the same month in the previous year, according to the Motor Industry Association.
How did passenger cars perform compared to commercial vehicles?
Passenger vehicle registrations increased by 14.7% in July compared to the prior year. In contrast, utes and vans slumped by 28.2%, and heavy vehicles fell by 20.2%.
What was the market share for electrified vehicles?
Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) captured nearly 30% of total new-vehicle registrations in July. Including non-plug-in hybrids, electrified models accounted for 56.6% of the market.
Which vehicle was the top seller in July?
The Ford Ranger remained the top-selling vehicle overall in July with 738 registrations, according to MIA data.
What are your thoughts on the shifting balance between passenger cars and commercial utes? Join the conversation by leaving a comment below, or explore our latest automotive industry reports for more insights.
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