Dealer numbers extend slide

The number of dealers in New Zealand fell by 20 to stand at 2,871 at the end of May, according to figures from the Motor Vehicle Traders Register (MVTR).

It was the third consecutive month of decreases after the total tumbled by 16 in March and 14 in April.

However, the number for May was six higher than in the same month of last year when 2,865 were dealers on the register. 

Since reaching a peak of 3,536 in November 2017, the tally of dealers has largely been in decline and has not topped 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.