NZ Passenger Car EV Sales : 2025-26 (Jan-July)

                                                               

With petrol prices as they are, some car buyers suddenly decide to switch to an EVs. Prices will fall again, so a short term fossil fuel hike gets consumers in a tizz. 

My first feeling was that if they did the maths, surely there isn't justification to do so costwise. But as the tensions in the Strait of Hormuz persist, maybe there will ultimately prove to be merit in the shift. 

Passenger car EV registrations in New Zealand are up 56%, even when comparing seven months of 2026 with a complete 2025 as we see to the right. EV market share has lifted from 7.0% in 2025 to 17.8% so far in 2026. 

The +/- column shows shift in market share, not sales volume. Tesla leads the way with 2,517 sales and BYD 2,082. Neither has gained much in their share, more a case of retaining what they have.

MG/IM and Dongfeng have increased their registrations and market share. Kia is doing okay but is losing out on capitalising fully on the increase taking place. 

It's interesting to note that legacy brands have almost all taken substantial hits. Chinese brands are certainly making their mark.

With effect stock levels have affected sales I can't say but it doesn't diminish the reality that Chinese brands and companies that source their EVs from there are doing very well. 

Data Source: NZTA. 
Photos: Dongfeng (007) & MG (4).

Taiwan Vehicle Sales: 2026 (Jan-July)

I don't publish much on Taiwan as the data is basically accurate, but I can't be sure it's 100%. Still, it gives an insight into the market. The others are presumably heavy commercial vehicles. 

Taiwan has a vehicle manufacturing industry that is tariff protected. Toyota is the dominant force here, with just over 30% of the total. Throw in Lexus, and it's not too far off 40%. CMC is a local brand, specialising in light commercials. Foxtron is a new local electric car maker. 

MG is present, assembled locally from imported kits by CMC, but has to meet local content requirements. One thing of note is the absence of Chinese brands from across the water, MG an exception. Cybersecurity risks and other factors mean they are not allowed to be imported, with recent tighter restrictions ensuring loopholes aren't exploited. MG is probably lucky to be there. 

Photos: Foxtron (Bria) & CMC (Veryca).

Aston Martin Global Deliveries : 2025-26 (H1)

Deliveries were down 1% in Q1 and then dramatically up 43% in Q2. That's an exceptional result in the present climate. Last year, wholesale deliveries fell 10%, but things are turning around in 2026. 

I believe reducing inventory was the reason for last year's reduction, with production now more in line with orders received. The 2026 increase is across the board. 

With H1 deliveries up 21%, gross profit is up 68%. With the industry facing so many negative issues, no mean feat. 

Data source: Aston Martin.

Photos: DB12, Vantage, DBX & Valhalla.

Regions: The Americas is where most cars are delivered. 36% of the total went there in H1, for a 29% increase. Europe, Middle East and Africa combine to account for 30%. The UK registered 18%, which historically quite a low figure. The Asia and Pacific region now make up just 16%, probably due to China. 

Models: The GT and sports car range make up 67% of the total. The DBX SUV 23% and Specials 10%. All but one or two of those latter deliveries are for the Valhalla. Current orders for this car stretch to the end of Q4 2026.