BYD passes 1000 monthly registrations in NZ for the first time

BYD registered 1090 vehicles in New Zealand in September, the first time it has passed 1000 in a single month.

BYD Auto NZ says that makes it the first Chinese new energy vehicle brand in New Zealand to reach the mark. It says September’s figure was more than double the same month last year, and that it is among the country’s top five automotive brands in 2026.

“This represents real buyers choosing lower running costs, better technology and strong value, not a number built on subsidies or fleet deals,” said Warren Willmot, general manager of BYD Auto NZ.

The Atto 2 was BYD’s best-selling model for the month. The new Atto 2 DM-i plug-in hybrid is priced from $34,990.

September’s registrations came from across BYD’s local line-up: the Atto 1, Atto 2, Atto 3, Seal, Seal 6 Touring, Sealion 5, Sealion 6, Sealion 7, Sealion 8 and Shark 6.

The result comes weeks after BYD passed 15,000 vehicles on New Zealand roads. The brand arrived here in 2022 with a handful of models and a small dealer network, which now covers 25 locations across both islands, with more sites confirmed.

“Not long ago BYD was a new name to most New Zealanders. This result makes us a mainstream volume brand, and we’re here for the long term,” Willmot said.

BYD says it expects growth to continue through the rest of 2026, with stock available and more shipments scheduled.