The Tesla Model Y overtook the Toyota RAV4 to become New Zealand’s best-selling car in September 2023. The increased interest in the electric SUV comes amid a general decline in the car market compared to a year earlier.
Tesla Model Y topped New Zealand’s best-selling car chart in September, showing that electric vehicles are taking over internal combustion engine cars. The victory comes as the local industry faces the threat of potential changes in government and vehicle regulations.
According to preliminary sales data released by Waka Kotahi, Model Y has overtaken the Toyota RAV4 in terms of registrations to become the country’s best-selling vehicle. Tesla registered 697 Model Ys, while Toyota registered 683 RAV4s. Although the margin is small, it still underlines that Tesla is capable of taking over the lead from the longtime favorite of local drivers. Ford Ranger came in third with 605 registrations. Toyota Hilux is in fourth place with 540 units, while the Toyota Yaris Cross completes the top 5 with 316 sales.
New Zealand’s 10 best-selling new vehicles in September, 2023
- Tesla Model Y 697
- Toyota RAV4 683
- Ford Ranger 605
- Toyota Hilux 540
- Toyota Yaris Cross 316
- Mitsubishi ASX 286
- Mitsubishi Outlander 268
- MG ZS 250
- Mitsubishi Triton 198
- MG4 159
The New Zealand National Party plans to end the electric and low-emission car purchase rebate at the end of 2023 if it is elected. However, current Tesla sales were not a consequence of this. National leader Christopher Luxon’s announcement came after orders for the Model Ys, delivered in September, had been completed. At the same time, his announcement could spur an increase in orders and deliveries in Q4, which is good news.
A total of 10,909 new cars were registered in September. This represents a market decline of 26.5% year on year. Motor Industry Association chief executive Aimee Wiley outlined last month that “the industry’s current dip in performance can be in part attributed to ongoing symptoms of the industry’s record result in June, tougher economic climate, and hesitation or reluctance to purchase pre-election, particularly with transport policy changes hinging upon the election result.”
