NZ Lower Volume Brands (Europe - Mainstream) : 2026 (Jan-Apr)

Kiwis go more for Asian brands, but there are still those who prefer European. Škoda sells well enough as a cheaper, better value VW. SEAT was dropped here as they weren't popular whereas Cupra was much more so. 

Peugeot also has a loyal following, unlike Renault that doesn't sell cars here. I wonder how much longer Citroën will be around, now they are no longer sold in Australia and not doing much here. 

The Ineos Grenadier should be popular here but numbers suggest otherwise. Supply issues and a lack of a broader dealer network (just four) not helping.  Fiat is all about the 500, the sporty Abarth variant just ahead of the regular model. Opel has tried to get a foothold in the market but has barely managed a toehold. 

Data source: NZTA. Photos: Škoda (Superb) & Cupra (Terramar).

NZ Low Volume Brands (Premium) : 2026 (Jan-Apr)

The numbers here are indeed small, but not overlooked by me. Jaguar stopped making cars over a year ago and April 2026 was the first month of zero sales. The importer stocked up, but that can only go so far. When was the last time Jaguar didn't sell a car in a month in NZ? 

The GMC Yukon and Chevy Corvette come through a RHD conversion in Australia, so have started selling here. 

Cadillac has recently started making RHD cars so they are now arriving, but it will always be in limited numbers. Alfa Romeo has had a slow start to the year, the other three listed are always going to be uncommon sights on the road. 

Data source: NZTA. Photos: Morgan (Plus 6) & Cadillac (Vistiq).

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

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

LDV arrived in 2016 but have mainly been selling in the LCV market, so haven't done much with passenger cars. 

Omoda and Jaecoo have been just under three years, Chery and Leapmotor two, Dongfeng one and a bit and Forthing their first.

At the price poin they operate at, they must want to be doing better than this and they may achieve that. 

Data source: NZTA. Photos: Cherry (Tiggo 4) & Dongfeng (Box).