PremiumChris KeallTechnology Editor/Senior Business Writer·NZ Herald·4 Aug, 2026 07:27 AM3 mins to read‌Pent-up demand for the refreshed Tesla Model Y has helped to offset political backlash against Tesla chief executive Elon Musk (inset). Photos / David Linklater, GettyPure electric and plug-in hybrids accounted for more than one in three new car sales in New Zealand during July.

But the market was near-flat overall, according to Motor Industry Association (MIA) figures, with 11,663 new vehicles registered. The total was 25 (0.2%) more than in July 2025 as commercial