NZ Passenger Car Sales : 2024

Registrations in 2024 for new cars were down 16% in December and also 20% lower YTD. This is due at least in part to an economic slowdown. It may also reflect the reality that constant price increases have now pushed new cars out of reach of many who would have otherwise bought one. Changes in rebate policies are disruptive too. 

Total sales thus far are 87,253 units. Added to that were tens of thousands of used cars, almost exclusively sourced from Japan. They are faring better than new, a useful alternative to overpriced new cars. 

What a difference a year can make, especially when adding government policy u-turns. Out went rebates and fees favouring or punishing purchases based on emissions and that caused a dramatic shift in models purchased. 

From April of this year, electric and hybrid cars which previously did not contribute to roading costs will be paying a road user charge. Tesla and BYD are two brands adversely affected with nearly 70% declines in market share. 

So things have been stirred up. The data below is for passenger cars only so light commercials and pickup trucks are not included. The 'Diff' column below shows market share change, not movement in volume. What does an overview of the data show us? 

Premium marques are going better than mainstream brands which is normal when a market contracts. Chinese brands are still arriving, Tank (a car brand, not the armoured fighting vehicle) now coming under GWM, joining Haval and Ora. Omoda and Jaecoo arrived during the year so their totals aren't for a full year.

Data source: NZTA.