Dealer numbers stay flat
January’s total lowest for more than two decades and almost 200 below figure from year ago.
Posted on 17 February, 2026
The number of dealers on the Motor Vehicle Traders Register (MVTR) remained flat at the end of January after dropping by just two last month to 2,597.
It comes after the total nudged higher at the end of 2025 when it increased by four traders through December to stand at 2,599.
January’s total is the lowest for that month in more than 20 years. It is also 192 below the 2,789 recorded at the end of the same month last year.
Dealer numbers have largely been in decline since reaching a high of 3,535 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.
