BYD passes 1000 monthly sales milestone in NZ

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The new BYD Atto 2 DM-i plug-in hybrid is priced from $34,990. Photo: BYD

BYD Auto NZ has passed the 1,000-vehicle monthly registration milestone for the first time, as demand for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles continues to grow in New Zealand.

The Chinese brand recorded 1090 vehicle registrations in September, more than double its registrations for the same month last year, according to BYD.

The result makes BYD the first Chinese new energy vehicle brand in New Zealand to reach the monthly milestone and places it among the country’s five highest-volume automotive brands for 2026.

The September result follows another milestone for BYD, which announced last month that more than 15,000 of its vehicles were now on New Zealand roads.

The BYD Shark 6 is a popular vehicles for the brand. Photo: Liz Dobson

BYD entered the New Zealand market in 2022 with a small model range and dealer network. It now has 25 sales and service locations across the North and South Islands, with further sites planned.

BYD Auto NZ general manager Warren Willmot said the latest result reflected growing consumer interest in electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

“Real buyers are choosing lower running costs, better technology and strong value,” he said.

The Atto 2 was BYD’s best-selling model in September, with the new Atto 2 DM-i plug-in hybrid priced from $34,990.

September registrations came from across BYD’s local range, including the Atto 1, Atto 2, Atto 3, Seal, Seal 6 Touring, Sealion 5, Sealion 6, Sealion 7, Sealion 8 and Shark 6.

BYD says it expects demand to continue through the remainder of 2026, with vehicles currently in stock and further shipments scheduled to arrive in New Zealand.