NZ Lower Volume Brands (Mainstream - China) : 2026 (Jan-Sep)

With so many brands from China, some will succeed but is there room for all of them? If legacy brands leave, then maybe. 

Dongfeng arrived during 2025 and is rapidly increasing its sales. This is BAIC's first year and already well established. 

Omoda came to these shores in 2024 and has slipped back in 2026. GWM's Ora started well, slumped and is now resurrecting itself with the 05 SUV.  

GAC's Aion brand is new in 2026 as is Forthing. LDV started selling passenger cars in 2026, but light commercials have always been its main thrust. 

Data source: NZTA. Photos: Donfeng (Box) & BAIC (X55).

NZ Semi-Premium China Brands : 2026 (Jan-Sep)

Here are the model sales for some of the smaller Chinese brands in NZ. They will have dealers in major centres but national coverage isn't there. They aspire to be above the mainstream brands. That is why MG's IM is here as it is a notch up on its parent brand. 

All these brands are new or nearly new to NZ. Arfox has been just a few months. So early days but pushing on from here will be their expectation. And there are more to come. 

Data source: NZTA. Photos: GWM Tank (300) & Geely (Starray).

NZ Volume Brands (Mainstream - China) : 2026 (Jan-Sep)

The brands here are basically theaffordable end of the market. They offer plenty of bang for your buck. Most are new to NZ but not all.

LDV arrived in 2016 but has mainly been selling in the LCV market, so hasn't done much with passenger cars. Haval was here from 2017. Jaecoo have been just under three years, Chery in its second coming two.

At the price point they operate at, they must want to be doing better than this and they will surely achieve that. 

Data source: NZTA. Photos: Cherry (Tiggo 4) & MG (ZS).