Dealer numbers increase
Traders register grows for fifth month in a row to hit highest total since May last year.
Posted on 08 October, 2026
The number of dealers in New Zealand increased by 12 last month and totalled 2,635 at the end of September, according to figures from the Motor Vehicle Traders Register (MVTR).
Last month’s tally was the highest since May 2025 when it reached 2,662, and 44 higher than in September last year.
It also marks five consecutive months of increases since falling to 2,593 at the end of April.
Since hitting 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.
