New Zealand new-vehicle sales April: solid growth, but 'pace of increase has moderated' for EVs

David Linklater

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Ute market share is not moving, but Ford Ranger continues to dominate individual sales.

Ute market share is not moving, but Ford Ranger continues to dominate individual sales.

  • Motor Industry Association signals 'measured growth trajectory'.
  • Light passenger vehicles on the move, up 16.2%.
  • Plug-ins claimed 23% of the overall market.

The Motor Industry Association (MIA) says New Zealand enjoyed a "solid increase" in new-vehicle sales for April, with 9864 registrations representing 11.7% growth on the same month last year. On a year-to-date basis, the market is up 12.9% compared to 2025.

Toyota Hilux.
New 'Cyber Sumo' Hilux is making a big impression.

And no, it wasn't all down to EVs. Battery-electric (BEV) and plug-in-hybrid (PHEV) vehicles enjoyed healthy 11.1 and 11.9% shares respectively, accounting for 23% of total registrations combined; but that's still down slightly on March's 25.6% share (16.2% BEV, 9.7% PHEV). Still a massive increase on April 2025's combined 9.1%, though.

"The pace of increase has moderated [for plug-ins]," says the MIA, "suggesting a more measured pattern of demand across electrified segments". Whether that's attributable to low stock levels or easing demand remains to be seen in the months to come.

"Hybrid vehicles continue to maintain a significant presence across the market, while internal combustion vehicles remain the largest component of registrations, although their share has declined relative to prior periods."  

EVs.
Plugs-in accounted for 23% of the market in April; good, not as good as March.

Year-to-date, petrol/diesel/LPG accounts for 53.3% of sales, hybrid 27.6%, BEV 10.6% and PHEV 3.6%.

Growth in April was driven by higher sales in the light passenger segment, which increased 16.2%, while light commercial (utes and vans) volume remained relatively flat.

MIA chief executive Aimee Wiley, says "broader economic conditions are becoming more complex, contributing to more varied performance across segments. Overall, the industry remains stable, with demand holding at consistent levels."

While ute market-share is not increasing, two individual models still dominated registrations in April. The Ford Ranger was the number-one-selling vehicle overall for the month with 753 registrations, followed by Toyota Hilux (just refreshed with a new generation) at 607. The two also lead sales year-to-date.

The Toyota RAV4 was third (503), followed by two Mitsubishis: Triton (268) and Outlander (258).

NZ'S TOP 10 NEW VEHICLES FOR 2026
Ford Ranger (3235)
Toyota Hilux (2300)
Toyota RAV4 (1869)
Mitsubishi ASX/Nissan Navara (1252)
Mitsubishi Triton (1175)
Mitsubishi Outlander (1075)
Toyota Hiace (1059)
Hyundai Tucson (1002)
Toyota Corolla Cross (974)