Dealer numbers decrease

The number of dealers in New Zealand has dropped by eight and stood at 2,872 at the end of October, according to figures from the Motor Vehicle Traders Register (MVTR).

Last month’s fall ended a run of three consecutive increases that took the tally from a low of 2,852 at the end of June to 2,880 in September.

October’s figure also represented a drop of 19 from the same month last year when 2,891 were dealers on the register. 

Since reaching a peak of 3,536 in November 2017, the number of dealers has largely been in decline and has not managed to surpass the 3,000-mark since August 2022.

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.