BMW Group’s NZ EV sales surge in first half of 2025

BMW Group New Zealand has defied challenging economic conditions to post a strong performance in the first half of 2025, with Group sales rising 29% year-on-year.

BMW passenger car sales grew 23%, while Mini posted an even stronger result, up 40% thanks to a new generation of models. EV sales surged 146%, now making up 27% of the Group’s total volume.

Outgoing managing director Adam Shaver, who is departing for a senior role in Munich, said the result was particularly rewarding given the volatility of the local market.

“We’re coming out of two years of a very recessionary economy,” Shaver said. “It makes me very proud that we’ve had an outstanding start to the year.”

Shaver attributed BMW’s momentum to a strong product mix, customer engagement, and a strategy of “technology openness” that allows consumers to choose from ICE, PHEV, and full electric drivetrains.

“Customers need to be able to choose. We can’t shove a technology down their throats,” he said.

The brand’s electric growth has been particularly noteworthy given the dramatic market contraction following the end of New Zealand’s Clean Car Discount. BMW EV sales rose 58%, while MINI electric volumes soared, thanks in part to models like the new Cooper EV and Countryman Electric.

“We have the biggest range of EVs in the market,” said Shaver. “Clearly, customers are excited about them.”

M still going strong

BMW also continues to lead in high-performance vehicle sales, with M models representing 24% of its local volume.

“For the first six months of this year, we are number two globally in M share—just behind Switzerland,” confirmed product and pricing manager Tim Michaelson.

New M products, including the limited-edition M3 CS Touring and M2 CS, are expected to maintain BMW NZ’s performance-car momentum.

Mini resurgence and local contributions

Mini’s recent model rollout has helped revitalise the brand in New Zealand. New products like the five-door Cooper and Countryman, as well as growing availability of John Cooper Works electric variants, have driven a 40% year-on-year sales jump.

“We’ve seen Mini sales increase globally by 17%, but the growth in New Zealand has outpaced that,” Shaver said.

BMW NZ has also continued to contribute to local EV infrastructure with its Destination Charging programme, now comprising 120 public-use wallboxes across the country.

Retail transformation and product outlook

The company’s new “Retail Next” dealership concept is underway, with facilities already launched in Tauranga and Hawke’s Bay, and more in the pipeline.

Michaelson also previewed upcoming model arrivals, including the X3 plug-in hybrid, the new entry-level X3 20i petrol, and the IX3 based on BMW’s Neue Klasse architecture due in 2026. The latter is set to debut with BMW’s Gen6 battery tech, offering up to 800km of range.

“This will completely change and elevate sheer driving pleasure to a whole new level,” he said.

Roca takes over

François Roca has officially succeeded Adam Shaver as the new managing director of BMW Group New Zealand.

A French national with deep international experience, Roca brings a unique blend of European and Japanese cultural insight, having spent much of his childhood in Japan. After early roles at Eastman Kodak and Renault-Nissan, he joined BMW Group, first as MINI Japan chief, then in a global strategy role covering markets from South Africa to Korea. Most recently, he led BMW sales in Japan, overseeing a return to growth after seven years of decline.

“I’ve already learned a lot about the excellent wine and the culture,” Roca said. “Coming from Japan, what strikes me here is the genuine kindness of the people.”

An enthusiastic Mini owner himself, Roca described Mini as the reason he joined the Group. “When my kids saw the Mini Cabrio I bought, they said, ‘Daddy, that’s a luxury car,’” he recalled. “Even children could sense the brand.”

Roca is also an avid astrophotographer and looks forward to exploring New Zealand’s world-renowned dark skies.

“New Zealand is definitely the best place to be in the world when you have this hobby,” he said.