NZ Sales: February sales improve

NEW ZEALAND’S long suffering new car market is beginning to show signs of improvement.

February figures released by the Motor Industry Association (MIA) show 9809 new vehicles were sold for the month, reflecting a 1.5 per cent increase over the same period in 2024, and a 2.8 per cent increase over February 2023.

The MIA says this modest growth indicates market stabilisation but is quick to caution that sector-specific trends reveal “ongoing shifts in consumer and business purchasing behaviours”.

Sales figures for February 2025 indicate a surge in light passenger vehicle registrations, driven by sustained demand for SUV and hybrid-powered models.

Hybrid vehicle uptake in February was slightly below the 2024 calendar year average at 33.4 per cent (down from 35.9 per cent), while electric vehicle registrations remained sluggish at 7.0 per cent of the total, compared with 7.3 per cent in 2024.

Conversely, light- and heavy commercial vehicle registrations declined sharply, influenced by what the MIA describes as “broader economic pressures and cautious business sentiment regarding fleet renewals”.

“The February 2025 vehicle registration figures indicate a shifting market landscape,” said MIA chief executive Aimee Wiley.

“While total industry registrations have increased slightly, the most notable trend is the widening gap between passenger vehicle growth and commercial vehicle decline.

“The significant drop in commercial vehicle sales signals an ongoing contraction in demand, influenced by economic conditions, infrastructure investment cycles, and broader business sentiment.

“Tighter business spending and a cautious approach to capital investment translate into delayed fleet renewals and lower commercial vehicle uptake.”

Ms Wiley emphasised that while consumer demand for SUVs and hybrid vehicles continues to grow, the pace of battery electric vehicle (BEV) adoption remains sluggish, posing a challenge in meeting stricter CO2 targets.

“Successfully navigating this transition is essential to maintaining vehicle affordability and supporting a well-balanced, sustainable market,” she remarked.

“While hybrid vehicle adoption continues to grow, electric vehicle (EV) uptake remains sluggish

“The challenge for the industry is aligning supply with regulatory requirements and actual consumer demand, ensuring that a range of vehicles remain accessible, practical, and suited to the evolving needs of Kiwi buyers.”

Toyota led the Kiwi new car sales charts again in February with 23 market share points (2303 unit sales). Mitsubishi placed second with an 11 per cent share (1046 units) and Ford third with nine per cent (892 units).

The Toyota RAV4 continued its domination of the sales charts with 719 units sold across the month, or one out of every 10 new vehicles sold. The RAV4 topped the Mitsubishi Outlander with 426 unit sales (six per cent) and third place Kia Seltos with 285 unit sales (four per cent).

Across the light commercial sector, we find the Toyota HiLux on top of the ladder with February sales of 601 units (21 market share points). The HiLux beat second place Ford Ranger’s 526 unit sales (19 per cent) and third place Mitsubishi Triton’s 265 (nine per cent).

Top 10 sales by Make (February passenger, SUV and light commercial):

Top 10 sales by Model (February passenger and SUV):

Top 10 sales by Model (February light commercial):

*All figures are supplied courtesy of the Motor Industry Association of New Zealand.