Only one EV brand among month’s front-runners.

JAPANESE brands were dominant in passenger car registrations in October, with the Mitsubishi Outlander leading the way, and just one electric car involver in the top 10.

 Online industry magazine Autotalk reports preliminary data out of Waka Kotahi – NZ Transport Agency shows the seven-seater crossover was the country’s top-selling passenger car last month, with 1030 registrations.

It was followed by the Toyota RAV4 (746), Toyota Corolla (478), Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross (453), the Suzuki Swift (408) then the Toyota Yaris Cross (353).

China-based MG was next with its ZS, with 323 registrations; that’s the only model in the top 10 that issues in electric form, though also presenting with a combustion engine.

The Kia Sportage (301), Honda Jazz (267) and the Mitsubishi ASX (265) rounded out the top 10.

Toyota was the passenger car market leader in October 2022 with 2226 registrations, followed by Mitsubishi on 1767. Kia was the only other marque in the four-figure camp, with 1003.

The Motor Industry Association, which acts for most new vehicle importers, has yet to offer comment.