New Zealand's new car brands for 2026 but wait there's more

Dongfeng

The most recent announcement is Dongfeng, another new enterprise for NZ by Armstrong’s Distribution (Leapmotor, Smart and several Stellantis brands). Dongfeng is one of China's "big four" state-owned carmakers and will be represented here with three models. 

The Box compact-SUV will be first, set for launch in November, followed by the Vigo medium-SUV and 007 sports sedan. They’re all pure-electric.

The company has confirmed the first three retail stores will be located in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, with additional stores to be added throughout the country.

XPeng has also stated its intention to have a Kiwi presence before the end of this year. It’s another relatively new maker, founded in 2014, with a stated intention to blend “advanced technology with AI-powered innovation, making intelligent driving experiences accessible to a broad range of customers". The company is also known for its work with robotics and flying cars. 

XPeng’s first model will be the G6 EV-SUV, a rival in size and style for the Tesla Model Y. The first showroom will be in Auckland, but the brand promises a quick rollout to other key cities in 2026, including Wellington, Christchurch, Tauranga and Hamilton. 

IM

We’re also about to see a new branch of a familiar brand. MG NZ has announced the impending launch of its luxury division, called IM (for “Intelligence in Motion”). The first model is the IM6.

Pricing is already announced: $66,900 for the 75kWh RWD Premium, $77,900 for the 100kWh RWD Platinum, and $89,900 for the flagship AWD Performance with the same 100kWh battery.

The IM6 SUV will be available for customers to test-drive from November. It’s another one strong on AI technology; used for functions such as Proactive Vision Supplement System (PVSS), Rainy Night Mode, and One Touch AI Chauffeur, utilising 360-degree cameras to assist or perform tasks for the driver, including providing real-time views of blind spots, identifying potential traffic risks, and aiding with parking. 

GAC

Confirmed for a Kiwi launch in December is GAC (Guangzhou Automobile Group). It’s the fifth-largest automobile company in China and the fourth-largest manufacturer of PHEVs in China. 

It markets multiple brands in China, but will sell its vehicles in NZ under a single “GAC” badge. The local launch will be led by the Aion V, a mid-size electric SUV with up to 510km WLTP range.

The GAC GS3 Emzoom is compact petrol-powered SUV. It’s powered by a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine. The M8 people mover is a luxurious seven-seater powered by a 2.0-litre turbo petrol plug-in hybrid powertrain, with a 25.57kWh battery providing just over 100km of electric-only range. 

“In a world-first, Denza is set to electrify the Australian and NZ market with a curated range of premium vehicles from BYD’s three acclaimed sub-brands - reimagined under the Denza name.”

What are those three brands? Denza is already a separate model line from BYD in China, but there’s also Fangchengbao (where the B5 and B8 hail from) and Yangwang, including the U8 super-luxury 4x4 (the one that swims) and U9 supercar.

How it will all work in NZ is unclear. The announcements were made by “Denza Australia and NZ”, but BYD is distributed here by a separate company, Ateco Automotive (as BYD Auto NZ).

The companies offered us this comment: “At this stage, BYD Auto NZ and BYD Australia & New Zealand Pty Limited have no comments about Denza in NZ. All information regarding launch and timings will be communicated through official channels at a later time.”