Dealer numbers end freefall

The number of dealers in New Zealand was 2,865 at the end of May after rising for the first time in a year, according to figures released by the Motor Vehicle Traders Register (MVTR).

While only an increase of five traders when compared with the total at the end of April, it ends a run of 10 consecutive months of decline.

However, it is 155 fewer than at the end of May 2022 when the register last recorded monthly growth and stood at 3,020. The numbers stayed static in June last year.

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

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.