BYD Becomes First Chinese Brand to Surpass 1,000 Monthly Registrations in New Zealand

BYD has taken another major step forward with 1,090 new vehicle registrations in New Zealand’s automotive market in September 2026, becoming the first Chinese automotive brand to exceed 1,000 registrations in a single month in the country. The result marked a significant increase from the 188 vehicles the company registered in September 2025.

According to Waka Kotahi, a New Zealand Transport Agency, BYD's September total included 871 passenger vehicles and 219 commercial vehicles. The company's overall registration figure placed it fifth among all vehicle brands for the month, behind Toyota, Mitsubishi, Kia and Ford. BYD ranked fourth in the passenger-vehicle category.

The Atto 2 was BYD's highest-volume passenger model during September, with a total of 240 registrations. The company's Shark 6 ute recorded 219 registrations, making it the fourth-highest registered ute in September, behind the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux and Mitsubishi Triton.

BYD's passenger-vehicle registrations included 87 units supplied to rental fleets, representing about 10% of its total September registrations. By comparison, rental registrations accounted for 58.7% of Toyota's passenger registrations and 68.7% of Mitsubishi's during the same month.

The September result comes shortly after BYD passed the 15,000-vehicle mark on New Zealand roads. The company's latest monthly performance also coincided with a broader increase in registrations for Chinese automotive brands. Six Chinese brands — BYD, MG, GWM, Chery, Geely and Jaecoo — collectively recorded 2,689 passenger-vehicle registrations in September, representing 20.3% of the passenger market, according to registration data reported by AutoTalk.

BYD's September performance reflects the company's expanding presence in New Zealand's new-vehicle market, where Chinese brands have increased their share in recent years, particularly in electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid vehicles.