NZ new car sales June 2026: EVs surge as Tesla Model Y tops the charts

New Zealand's new vehicle market has continued its strong run into the second half of 2026, with passenger vehicles and electrified models driving double-digit growth.

The Motor Industry Association (MIA) says New Zealand's new vehicle market grew 13.5 per cent year-on-year in June, with 13,438 registrations recorded.

Year-to-date registrations now stand at 71,388 vehicles, up 12.5 per cent compared with the first six months of 2025, continuing the steady growth seen throughout the year.

Passenger vehicles were the standout performer, climbing 21.0 per cent to 9961 registrations, while heavy commercial vehicles increased 23.0 per cent to 513 units. Light commercial registrations, however, slipped 7.1 per cent to 2964 units.

Electrified vehicles also posted their strongest result of the year. Battery-electric vehicles accounted for 20.4 per cent of all new vehicle registrations in June, while plug-in hybrids represented 10.4 per cent.

The Tesla Model Y was New Zealand's best-selling vehicle in June with 908 registrations, ahead of the Ford Ranger on 872 and the Toyota RAV4 on 821.

Within the passenger vehicle market, battery-electric and plug-in hybrid models made up 38 per cent of registrations – more than one in every three new passenger vehicles sold during the month.

Internal combustion engine vehicles still represented the largest share of the overall market at 45.1 per cent, though their share continues to decline as buyers increasingly turn to electrified alternatives.

Private buyers returned in greater numbers during June, accounting for 43.4 per cent of all registrations, while business buyers remained the largest customer group with a 49.6 per cent share.

Medium SUVs remained the country's most popular vehicle segment, recording 4292 registrations, followed by compact SUVs on 2787 units.

MIA chief executive Aimee Wiley said two clear trends had emerged during the first half of 2026.

"Firstly, the market has strengthened each month despite challenging economic conditions, led by passenger vehicles and supported by gains in light and heavy commercial segments.

"And secondly, plug in vehicles have continued to command a greater share of the market as the year progresses – against a backdrop of fuel supply concerns and increased model availability."

The MIA also noted battery-electric and plug-in hybrid registrations have accelerated since fuel prices began rising in March, with some June deliveries likely linked to purchase agreements signed during the recent fuel supply disruption.

Top selling models

Registrations by segment

Registrations by fuel type

Registrations by buyer type