Pricing Insights – EV and PHEV

Over the past few months, the New Zealand used vehicle market has begun to show a shift driven by 
rising fuel prices. Following the escalation in oil market disruption linked to the Iran conflict, fuel 
costs have moved sharply. As we discussed in our First quarter update, this has accelerated 
changes in consumer demand, with buyers thinking about making the move to electric vehicles 
taking the plunge in a frantic buy up during March. Our latest pricing review has given some insight 
into how these macro conditions are translating into real market outcomes — particularly when 
comparing battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) against the broader 
used vehicle market.

RedBook Monthly Insights May 2026

Summary of NZ vehicle market registrations and market movements 

War In The Gulf: How is the NZ Motor Vehicle Market Affected?

The escalation of conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States has triggered one of the 
most significant global energy disruptions in decades, primarily through the effective closure of 
the Strait of Hormuz. Around 20% of global oil and LNG trade normally goes through the narrow 
strait, and its disruption has driven sharp increases in crude prices, refined fuel prices, and 
shipping costs globally. 

RedBook Monthly Insights April 2026

Summary of NZ vehicle market registrations and market movements 

Q1. / 2026 - Market Update

In this Issue:

• The NZ Market
• The NZ Road to Electrification
• War in The Gulf - Impact on New Zealand Market
• NZ Economy
• Global News

RedBook Monthly Insights March 2026

Summary of NZ vehicle market registrations and market movements 

RedBook Monthly Insights February 2026

Summary of NZ vehicle market registrations and market movements 

Q4. / 2025 - Market Update

In this Issue:

• NZ Market
• NZ Volumes
• NZ Economy
• The Road to Electrification
• The Rise of Chinese Brands in NZ
• Global News

RedBook Monthly Insights January 2026

Summary of NZ vehicle market registrations and market movements 

The Rise of Chinese OEMs

China is the largest automotive market in the world. With over 23 million vehicles registered in 
2024, it alone accounts for approximately 30% of global annual registrations. Until 2022, the 
Chinese market was predominantly led by foreign OEMs, making it a critical volume hub for 
foreign automotive brands such as Volkswagen, Toyota, and Honda.