NZ China PC Brand Sales: 2026 (Q1-Q3)

Many cars coming to NZ originate in China, 27,388 or 29.1% to be precise. China now rivals Japan as a source for cars. Not all of these make the chart to the right. The brand had to be Chinese owned (at least 50/50) and made there. 

In nine months, 22,0288 passenger cars have been sold. That excludes vehicles classed as commercial, such as pick up trucks, delivery vans and lorry type trucks. At 24.2%, a quarter of the car market is covered here

The market share figure on the extreme right of the chart is for the whole market. None have quite reached the 5% mark but one or two will surely do so soon. 

MG is still top, but BYD is closing in on MG. IM is an MG brand but is represented by just one model and is limited in volume.

Haval is part of the GWM group, which is also comprised of Tank and Ora. They are listed separately here but collectively reach 4,123 sales. 

As some of the brands here have just arrived, their totals are affected by that. Dealer networks need to expand and spread too. In the town I live in for example, only two of the brands listed have local dealers. 

Data source: NZTA. Photo sources: MG NZ (ZS) and Dongfeng NZ (Box).

Aston Martin Global Deliveries : 2025-26 (Q1-Q3)

Wholesale deliveries were down 1% in Q1 and then dramatically up 43% in Q2. Q3 came in even, so the YTD figure is +12%. That's an exceptional result in the present climate. Last year, wholesale deliveries fell 10%, but things are turning around in 2026. 

Reducing inventory was the reason for last year's reduction and  thta policy has also been happening in 2026, but tapering off as the year progesses. Production now more in line with orders received. 

With H1 deliveries up 12%, gross profit is up 76%. With the industry facing so many negative issues, no mean feat. Still, the company has an operating loss, but one that is reducing. 

Data source: Aston Martin.

Photos: DB12, Vantage, DBX & Valhalla.

Regions: The Americas is where most cars are delivered. 35% of the total went there YTD, for a 22% increase. Europe, Middle East and Africa combine to account for 28%. The UK registered 20%. The Asia and Pacific region now make up just 17%, probably due to China. 

Models: The GT and sports car range make up 66% of the total. The DBX SUV 24% and Specials 9%. Specials translates to the Valhalla, apart from a couple of other models. The Valhalla Spider deliveries will commence in Q4 2027 and the Valen in Q2, 2027. The Valen supercar production is capped at 150. Apparently, there are still some available to order. 

The Cybertruck is Dead?

Back in May 2023, I described the Tesla Cybertruck's appearance as hideous and futuristic amateurism. I just couldn't see it selling but I could have been wrong. In this case, I wasn't. 

My negative feelings toward the vehicle isn't universal. It has its apologists as well as its critics. Its handling and acceleration are strengths. Stainless steel is a major negative, limiting the design to a Tonka toy profile. There are advantages to that material too.  

Deliveries started at the end of 2023, about two years later than originally planned. Tesla has never given sales figures but it is estimated that about 70,000 were delivered over three years. Its peak year was 2024, when something like 34,000 were sold. Considering Elon Musk apparently predicted 250,000 per annum, it is safe to say actual deliveries were underwhelming. 

It has been announced that the factory where they are being made is going to be repurposed. The Cybertruck will presumably end in the middle of 2027. Unless production is moved to another plant, it's the end of the line. Surely, Tesla knows when something isn't working.

From looks to execution, the whole thing was a disaster. Delays, broken windows at presentations and styling.....well, I guess the last one is subjective. It may not be dead just yet but it would be humane to put it out of its misery.