New Zealand May 2025: Nissan up 61.9%, rentals push Ford Ranger back to #1

Nissan Navara sales are up 108.8% year-on-year in May.

New vehicle sales in New Zealand edge up 0.6% year-on-year in May to 10,251 units, yet because of a weak start of the year the YTD tally is still in negative at -3.9% to 51,282. Note May 2024 was off -23.6% on the year prior so we remain at historically low levels. Toyota (+0.7%) is stable to keep the brands pole position with 23.3% share, distancing a solid Ford (+5.5%) up to 15.1% share vs. just 10.7% YTD. Mitsubishi (-17.8%) is in freefall at #3, Kia (-10.1%) falls a bit slower at #4 and Nissan (+61.9%) surges at #5. MG (+32.2%), LDV (+25%) and Subaru (+22.4%) all shine below. Notice also newcomer Jaecoo up 7 spots on April to break into the Top 20 brands for the first time at #18 with 1% share.

Over in the models lane, the Ford Ranger (-1.5%) is back at #1 for the 2nd time in the past three months with a sensational 10.3% share. It climbs back up to #2 year-to-date as a result. Note sales to rental companies account for 20.6% of the Ranger’s May volume. The Toyota Hilux (+28.3%) posts an excellent score and is also up one spot on April to #2. Leader last month and YTD, the Toyota RAV4 (-12.5%) is down to #3 ahead of the Mitsubishi ASX (+39.3%). The Ford Everest (+79.9%) rallies back up 15 ranks on last month to #5. The Nissan Navara (+108.8%) surges ahead and the Kia Seltos (+36.3%) shines at #6. The Hyundai Kona (#12), GWM Haval H6 (#13) and Nissan X-Trail (+40.2%) also impress below, unlike the BYD Shark 6 down to just 49 sales.

Previous month: New Zealand April 2025: Toyota RAV4 back in charge in weak market

One year ago: New Zealand May 2024: Ford Ranger back in the lead in depleted market (-23.6%)

Full May 2025 Top 73 All brands and Top 15 models below.