Tesla’s popular electric crossover Model Y continues to outpace all other car models regardless of powertrain in New Zealand.
As per Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency’s (NZTA) preliminary sales data, the American automaker registered 697 Tesla Model Ys in September alone.
It demonstrates the electric vehicle model’s resilience, considering the overall market’s year-on-year sales decline of 26.5%.
Top-selling cars
Tesla Model Y’s upward momentum appears unstoppable as it has been besting the sales charts even in the overall automotive industry.
As mentioned, it sold 697 units last month. It essentially advanced its position and overthrew the iconic Toyota RAV4 with 683 unit registrations.
Presented below are the top 10 popular car models in New Zealand in September 2023:
| Rankings | Models | Registrations |
| 1 | Tesla Model Y | 697 |
| 2 | Toyota RAV4 | 683 |
| 3 | Ford Ranger | 605 |
| 4 | Toyota Hilux | 540 |
| 5 | Toyota Yaris Cross | 316 |
| 6 | Mitsubishi ASX | 286 |
| 7 | Mitsubishi Outlander | 268 |
| 8 | MG ZS | 250 |
| 9 | Mitsubishi Triton | 198 |
| 10 | MG4 | 159 |
Teslarati noted that the overall new vehicle sales in New Zealand reached 10,909 units last month, down 26.5% year-on-year. Of that total, passenger vehicles accounted for 8,150 units. The other 2,759 were commercial vehicles.
Tesla Model Y key specifications
For those wondering what’s so special about the Tesla Model Y for it to beat all other rivals in New Zeland’s auto industry, here are the model’s key specifications in the country:
| Specs | Performance | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Battery | Long Range | Standard Range |
| *Acceleration | 3.7 s 0-100 km/h with rollout subtracted | 6.9 s 0-100 km/h |
| Range (WLTP) | 514 km | 455 km |
| Drive | Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Seating | 5 Adults | 5 Adults |
| Wheels | 21” | 19″ or 20″ |
| Weight | 1,997 kg | 1,909 kg |
| Max Cargo Volume | 2,158 litres | 2,158 litres |
| Top Speed | 250 km/h | 217 km/h |
| Displays | 15″ Centre Touchscreen | 15″ Centre Touchscreen |
| Supercharging Max/Payment Type | 250 kW Max; Pay Per Use | 170 kW Max; Pay Per Use |
| Warranty | Basic Vehicle – 4 years or 80,000 km, whichever comes first Battery & Drive Unit – 8 years or 192,000 km, whichever comes first | Basic Vehicle – 4 years or 80,000 km, whichever comes first Battery & Drive Unit – 8 years or 160,000 km, whichever comes first |
See Also:
- Tesla Model Y continues to lead the European auto market from Jan to Aug 2023
- Ford Mustang Mach-E’s US sales recover in August, trails behind Tesla Model Y
- EV dominates 60% share of the automotive market in Sweden in August, Tesla Model Y leads
- Tesla Model Y dominates the used EV market in the US, study reveals
- Uber to deploy a fleet of 100 Tesla Model Ys in Japan
Tesla initially delivered the Model Y in New Zealand in August last year. Since then, the all-electric SUV established a strong reputation in the local market. It now holds the crown for the top-selling car model in the country, with the potential to maintain it in the coming quarters.
