INDUSTRY INSIGHTS JUNE 2026

Executive Summary

June saw continued strength in New Zealand's automotive market, with total registrations increasing 14% month-on-month. Demand for SUVs, utes and hybrid vehicles remained strong, while EV registrations rebounded following softer performance earlier in the year. For employers, recruitment activity continues to outpace candidate availability across many leadership and technical positions, making strategic hiring more important than ever.

Market at a Glance

Include an executive dashboard:

IndicatorJune 2026Total Registrations21,461New Vehicle Growth+13.7% YoYUsed Vehicle Growth+13.1% YoYEV Share38%Leading BrandToyotaTop ModelTesla Model Y

(Source data summarised from the uploaded report.)

New Vehicle Market

Instead of reproducing charts, provide a concise analysis:

Key Takeaways

• Total new registrations increased strongly during June.

• Toyota maintained market leadership.

• Tesla Model Y became the month's highest-selling model.

• SUVs and utes continued to dominate buyer demand.

• EV momentum strengthened after a quieter period.

Thorne Automotive Solutions Perspective

This section would be your commentary, for example:

Increased registrations are a positive indicator for dealer confidence. Businesses experiencing sustained growth are likely to continue investing in experienced sales professionals, finance specialists and dealership leadership. Employers who act quickly during recruitment are better positioned to secure high-performing candidates before competitors.

Used Vehicle Market

Summarise the key movements:

• Used registrations increased.

• Hybrid vehicles remain popular.

• Toyota continues to dominate used imports.

• Price corrections appear to be slowing.

Then add your own insights about what this means for dealers and consumers.

Recruitment & Talent Watch

This becomes your unique content.

Most In-Demand Roles

• Dealer Principals

• Branch Managers

• Sales Managers

• Business Managers

• Technicians

• Service Advisors

• Parts Managers

• Aftersales Managers

• OEM Regional Managers

Candidate Availability

Position Availability

Dealer Principal 🔴 Very Limited

Technician 🔴 Critical Shortage

Business Manager 🟠 Moderate

Sales Consultant 🟢 Healthy

Service Advisor 🟠 Moderate

Salary Watch

Provide indicative market guidance (reviewed monthly), for example:

RoleTypical RangeDealer Principal$180k–$300k+Branch Manager$130k–$180kBusiness Manager$120k–$180kSales Manager$120k–$170kTechnician$80k–$130k

Include a note that remuneration varies by location, brand, experience and incentive structure.

Industry Spotlight

Each month, focus on a current topic.

For this edition:

Chinese Brands Continue to Reshape the NZ Market

Discuss how brands such as BYD, GWM, Chery, MG and others are influencing dealership networks, customer expectations and recruitment demand.

Employer Insight

Offer practical advice, such as:

• Shorten recruitment timelines.

• Invest in onboarding and leadership.

• Develop succession plans for key roles.

• Build employer brand through culture and career pathways.

Candidate Insight

Share tips on:

• Preparing for interviews.

• Standing out in a competitive market.

• Considering relocation opportunities.

• Evaluating counter-offers thoughtfully.

About Thorne Automotive Solutions

A concise profile describing your expertise:

Thorne Automotive Solutions partners with OEMs, dealer groups and independent automotive businesses across New Zealand and Australia. We specialise in executive search, confidential recruitment and strategic talent consulting, drawing on extensive industry experience and a carefully curated network of high-performing professionals.