Our take on the latest Commercial registrations and activity (Mon 10 May 2021)
New commercial registrations
4,117
In April 2021
New light commercials grow 0.7% (seasonally adjusted)
Low used commercial registrations
The key numbers...
- There were 4,117 new commercial vehicle registrations in April 2021, 3,801 more than in April 2020, when we were in Level 4 lockdown.
- Comparing April 2021 numbers to April 2019, light commercial registrations were up by 13%, medium commercial registrations were down 2.7%, and very heavy commercial registrations were down 1.7%.
- The share of commercial registrations that are used vehicles is very low at the moment, making up just 9.3% of total commercial registrations. Since 2015, this share has averaged 18%.
Total new commercial vehicle registrations
Annual running total, Source:NZTA
...and our reaction
- New commercial registrations have performed relatively strongly in recent months, while medium and very heavy commercials remain fairly steady.
- The large pipeline of construction work will be boosting commercial vehicle sales, and is shown by strength in business purchases of light commercials in recent months.
- A lack of supply of used commercials will be shifting purchases towards new commercials, which have seen increased imports at the start of the year.
Latest updates
Premium
Commercial registrations and activity
Commercial registrations pull back following fuel price uncertainty
Mon 13 Jul 2026
Quarterly
1.2%pa Light commercial registrations fall in the June 2026 quarter
19%pa Medium commercial registration fall in the June 2026 quarter
10%pa Very heavy comm. registrations rise in the June 2026 quarterPremium
Commercial registrations and activity
High diesel costs support lift in EV light commercials
Mon 13 Apr 2026
Quarterly
48%pa Light commercial registrations jump in the March 2026 month-17%pa Medium commercial registration fall in the March 2026 quarter
-4.2%pa Very heavy comm. registrations fall in the March 2026 quarterCommercial registrations and activity
Medium and very heavy commercial registrations still falling
Tue 13 Jan 2026
Quarterly
Quarterly very heavy registrations down 26%pa in Dec 2025Quarterly medium registrations down 18%pa in Dec 2025Quarterly light commercial registrations up 9.5%pa in Dec 2025Commercial registrations and activity
Light vehicle demand leaves heavy commercials behind
Fri 10 Oct 2025
Quarterly
Very heavy registrations down 38%pa in Sep 2025 quarterMedium registrations down 14%pa in Sep 2025 quarterLight commercial registrations up 25%pa in Sep 2025 quarter