Dealer numbers best in six months

The number of dealers in New Zealand increased by six last month and stood at 2,603 at the end of February, according to figures from the Motor Vehicle Traders Register (MVTR).

While only slightly up from 2,597 at the end of January, last month’s total was the highest since August last year when it reached 2,607.

However, February’s figure was down by 162 from the 2,765 dealers on the register at the end of the same month in 2025. 

Since reaching a peak of 3,536 in November 2017, the number of dealers has largely been in decline.

The MVTR holds essential information about registered traders and their businesses. It is operated by Occupational Regulation, which is part of the market integrity branch of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.