Sales of new vehicles in New Zealand fell 26.7% year on year in September to 10,909 units.

The result was 20% lower than the monthly average for 2022 (13,641 units) and 12.4% lower than the monthly average YTD in 2023, according to the Motor Industry Association.

"September’s result is likely caused by both tougher economic conditions and continued uncertainty for the future of the Clean Car Discount, currently hinging upon the upcoming election result. Such uncertainty considerably impacted consumer demand in September. It comes as no surprise that product attracting rebates accelerated significantly, whilst demand for product attracting fees
slumped," the MIA said.

The top three overall market leaders in September 2023 were Toyota with 24.2% market share (2,644 units), Ford (10.3%; 1,125) and Mitsubishi (9.2%; 1,006).

The top three light passenger vehicles were the Tesla Model Y (697 units), Toyota
RAV4 (683), and Toyota Yaris Cross (316).

The top three light commercial vehicles were Ford's Ranger (605 units), Toyota
Hilux (540) and Mitsubishi Triton (198).

The top three segments were SUV Medium (28.9%), SUV Compact (18.9%) and 4x4 Pick Up/Chassis Cab (12.4%).

Passenger registrations of 8,150 were 23.1% (2,451 units) lower than September 2022.

Year to date, passenger vehicle sales were down 6.3% year on year.

A spike in consumer demand resulted in the BEV segment share jumping
from an average of 13.9% (since January 2022) to 24.9% in September.

Commercial registrations of 2,759 were 35.5% lower. Year to date registrations were down 14.4%.