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Does a New Zealand new vehicle mean that the vehicle was manufactured in New Zealand, or that it was imported into New Zealand brand new?

Divish

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 14 December 2009

It can mean both.

Local assembly of new vehicles was wound up in the late 1990's due to the lifting of tariffs on other new cars imported into New Zealand fully assembled. It suddenly became a more level playing field for new car sales and as a result the local assembly business was no longer viable.

This has resulted in a very competitive new car industry in terms of retail pricing and specification level. The high specification levels of many used imports into NZ have also kept the new car industry honest.

So to answer your question; any car first registered and sold brand new in this country is classed as New Zealand new.

Hope that answers your question.