Dealer numbers nudge up

The number of dealers in New Zealand increased by eight last month and stood at 2,601 at the end of May, according to figures from the Motor Vehicle Traders Register (MVTR).

The rise came after two consecutive months of decline but the latest total is still slightly below the 2,603 recorded at the end of February this year.

Last month’s tally was also down by 61 from the 2,662 dealers on the register at the end of May 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.