{"id":384048,"date":"2026-04-17T10:30:37","date_gmt":"2026-04-17T10:30:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/384048\/"},"modified":"2026-04-17T10:30:37","modified_gmt":"2026-04-17T10:30:37","slug":"new-zealands-newest-car-brands-for-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/384048\/","title":{"rendered":"New Zealand’s newest car brands for 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

New brands: it\u2019s rapidly and organically become a regular series for us; we\u2019re certainly never short of things to write about. So read on for your guide to the newest automotive brands in New Zealand, including one launched just today!<\/p>\n

Forthing<\/p>\n

Founded: 2016 (first use of Forthing name) Launched in NZ: April 2026 What does it sell? Taikon SUV in BEV or super hybrid.<\/p>\n

\"Forthing
\nJust one model from Forthing, the Taikon, but with two powertrains and two trims.<\/p>\n

Forthing has been introduced in NZ<\/a> by Ateco Automotive. It\u2019s not the first Chinese brand for the local operation; it already handles BYD. But while that\u2019s a NZ-exclusive for the company, Forthing is part of a much larger rollout by Ateco across Australia and NZ.<\/p>\n


\n Read More
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The launch model for NZ is the Taikon medium-SUV, either in pure-electric form (150kW\/240Nm, 400km range) or as a super hybrid (155kW combined) with up to 183km EV range and total 1150km on a full tank\/charge.<\/p>\n


\n
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\n Advertise with NZME.<\/a> \n <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Both powertrains are available in either Luxury or Exclusive specification: $39,990 and $44,990 for the super hybrid, $42,990 and $47,990 for the pure-electric.<\/p>\n

Forthing is a division of Dongfeng, a brand that\u2019s also represented here\u2026 but under a completely different company, Armstrong\u2019s Distribution. Complicated, right?<\/p>\n

Forthing made its first passenger car in 2001, but really established a unique identify in 2016, with the launch of the T5 Evo SUV that showcased a bespoke lion emblem for the brand. Forthing also held a \u201cbrand renewal\u201d conference in 2021 to set out a unique direction for itself.<\/p>\n

Denza<\/p>\n

Founded: 2010 Launched in NZ: February 2026 What does it sell? B5 and B8 SUVs, D9 people mover.<\/p>\n

\"Denza
\nLots of luxury. but also lots of off-tarmac ability from Denza B5.<\/p>\n

Denza is BYD\u2019s luxury brand and has a standalone presence here<\/a>, distributed by BYD Australia & NZ (not Ateco Automotive, which handles BYD-branded vehicles). Complicated distribution arrangements are a theme among these new brands.<\/p>\n

Denza was created in 2001 as a joint venture between BYD and Mercedes-Benz, with its first China-only model launched in 2014. From 2021 there was significant restructuring, and by the end of 2024 BYD had taken over Mercedes-Benz\u2019s shareholding completely.<\/p>\n


\n
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\n Advertise with NZME.<\/a> \n <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Denza was launched in NZ with the B5 and B8 luxury SUVs, at prices ranging from $88,990-$117,900. They both share their underpinings and dual-motor plug-in hybrid technology with the BYD Shark 6 ute.<\/p>\n

A more recent addition is the D9 luxury people mover, at $104,990 for the FWD model or $115,900 for the AWD.<\/p>\n

BAIC<\/p>\n

Founded: 1958 Launched in NZ: February 2026 What does it sell? X55 SUV, B30 SUV in ICE or hybrid.<\/p>\n

\"BAIC
\nBAIC B30 goes big on retro style.<\/p>\n

State-owned BAIC is the sixth-largest automobile maker in China, selling vehicles both under its own own name (the acronym stands for \u201cBejing Automotive Industry Corporation\u201d) and many others, including Arcfox for EVs \u2013 which is also a likely contender for NZ in the not-too-distant future.<\/p>\n

For NZ, BAIC has opened with a focus on ICE and hybrid. There\u2019s the $34,990 X55 urban SUV, but the star attraction is\u00a0the retro-style B30 SUV<\/a>, which really plays up on BAIC\u2019s 4×4 history: it established China\u2019s first joint venture with a western company in 1984, partnering with Jeep.<\/p>\n

The B30 comes in 2WD or AWD, conventional combustion-engine or hybrid. Prices range from $39,990-$49,990 and all reflect a $3000 launch special offer that\u2019s in effect until June.<\/p>\n

GAC<\/p>\n

Founded: 1997 as GAC Group, GAC Motor Company in 2008 for own-brand vehicles Launched in NZ: January 2026 What does it sell? Emzoom SUV, Aion SUV, M8 people mover.<\/p>\n

\"GAC
\nGAC claims the M8 is NZ’s first PHEV people mover.<\/p>\n

State-owned GAC is the fifth-largest carmaker in China, with sub-brands including Aion, Hycan, Hyptec and Trumpchi. The name denotes Guangzhou Automobile Group and yes, you say it as an initialisation \u2013 G, A, C \u2013 rather than an acronym.<\/p>\n

GAC has launched in NZ<\/a> in three distinct categories. There\u2019s the $31,990 Emzoom urban SUV, which is powered by a conventional combustion engine.<\/p>\n

\"GAC
\nAion V is GAC’s mainstream medium SUV.<\/p>\n

The pure-electric Aion V medium-SUV (\u201cAion\u201d is a whole separate EV brand in China) comes in two versions, Premium and Luxury, for $49,990-$51,990.<\/p>\n

And way up at the top is the M8, which GAC claims is NZ\u2019s first PHEV people mover. There are standard and Luxury models, priced from $85,990-$89,990.<\/p>\n

Dongfeng<\/p>\n

Founded: 1969 Launched in NZ: December 2025 What does it sell? Box hatchback, Vigo SUV, 007 sedan.<\/p>\n

\"Dongfeng
\nBox is back with a bigger airbag count.<\/p>\n

Dongfeng is regarded as one of the \u201cbig four\u201d state-owned carmakers (the top three are SAIC, Changan and FAW). It markets vehicles under its own brand but also many others, including Nammi, M-Hero and Voyah.<\/p>\n

The range for NZ draws from different domestic market sub-brands, but they\u2019re all sold under the Dongfeng brand here. They\u2019re all EVs.<\/p>\n

The Box got off to a rocky start with a less-than-ideal safety specification, but it\u2019s just been introduced<\/a> in updated \u201cMY26\u201d form including an increased airbag count (formerly two, now six), at a relaunch price of $29,990 until the end of May.<\/p>\n

\"Dongfeng
\nVigo puts the emphasis on practicality and clever cabin features.<\/p>\n

The $39,990 Vigo compact-SUV<\/a> boasts distinctive styling and puts all of its effort into versatile and clever cabin features. It\u2019s incredibly spacious for a vehicle of its size and even offers fold-flat back seats that can be combined with a custom-fit mattress.<\/p>\n

The flagship of the lineup is something quite traditional, at least outwardly: the 007<\/a>, a low-slung fastback\/sedan. It comes in two models, the $54,990 RWD long range and the Performance AWD, which can hit 100km\/h in a blistering 3.9 seconds.<\/p>\n

XPeng<\/p>\n

Founded: 2014 Launched in NZ: December 2025 What does it sell? G6 SUV.<\/p>\n

\"XPeng
\nXPeng prides itself on high technology.<\/p>\n

Xpeng was founded by a group of former GAC executives in 2014, with interests that include AI-assisted cars\u2026 and even flying cars.<\/p>\n

The hero model is the G6<\/a>, a medium SUV that comes in standard or long range, RWD or AWD. The long range Performance models boast 358kW and can hit 100km\/h in 4.13 seconds. Prices range from $59,990-$75,490.<\/p>\n

The X9 people mover is also NZ-bound, with pricing yet to be confirmed.<\/p>\n

Geely<\/p>\n

Founded: 1986 (automotive since 1997) Launched in NZ: April 2025 What does it sell? EX5 and Starray EM-i SUVs, Riddara ute.<\/p>\n

\"Geely
\nEX5 EV was the first Geely to be launched in NZ.<\/p>\n

The Geely brand now numbers two for NZ, the EX5 EV<\/a> ($45,990-$56,990) joined by the Starray EM-i<\/a> ($45,990-$49,490), an SUV of similar dimensions that uses a \u201csuper hybrid\u201d plug-in powertrain: 83km electric range and an overall distance of nearly 1000km on a full tank\/charge.<\/p>\n

Or maybe that\u2019s three? There\u2019s also the intriguing $69,990 Riddara RD6 Pro<\/a>, a dual-cab ute with pure-electric power. It\u2019s not strictly a Geely, because the company treats \u201cRiddara\u201d as a separate brand; but it does wear a Geely badge on its tailgate and it shares showroom space with EX5 and Starray EM-i.<\/p>\n

\"Geely
\nStarray introduced super hybrid tech to the Geely range.<\/p>\n

Riddara is based on a passenger-vehicle platform, so it\u2019s as much a car as pickup truck. It doesn\u2019t claim to offer the ultimate in 4×4 ability, with independent suspension all-round, but it\u2019s surprisingly capable, with dual-motor AWD that really gets to grips with loose surfaces and uneven ground.<\/p>\n

It also delivers on some key ute stats: it can tow 3000kg and offers a payload of 1030kg.<\/p>\n

\"Geely
\n(Geely) Riddara RD6 Pro is pure-electric but does lots of tough utey stuff.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s a bigger Kiwi business story around Geely. As is well-known, Geely is now a sprawling automotive giant: under its various companies it has owned Volvo since 2010 and Lotus since 2017. It\u2019s technically a partner with Volvo (but also the parent company) in Polestar (2017). And there\u2019s much more.<\/p>\n

The above is relevant because NZ Geely importer Giltrap Group has formed a new division called NordEast<\/a> that brings six different Geely brands together under one umbrella for the first time, anywhere in the world.<\/p>\n

So that\u2019s Geely, Volvo, Polestar and Lotus. Only four, right? But now there are two more: Zeekr and Farizon.<\/p>\n

Zeekr<\/p>\n

Founded: 2021 Launched in NZ: September 2025 What does it sell? X and 7X SUVs, 009 luxury people mover.<\/p>\n

\"Zeekr
\n7X is a hero model for Zeekr.<\/p>\n

Zeekr is Geely\u2019s luxury-EV brand. It\u2019s very young, but has grown quickly in international stature, expanding first into Europe in 2023 and from 2024 into various other markets.<\/p>\n

The 7X<\/a> ($69,990-$94,990) is Zeekr\u2019s newest vehicle, with some versions featuring a \u201cGolden Battery\u201d capable of extremely high-speed charging. It\u2019s a medium-SUV aimed at the premium market, but it also has a smaller sibling, simply named X<\/a>; that one shares quite a lot of its technology with the Volvo EX30 and costs $59,990-$69,990.<\/p>\n

\"Zeekr
\nHere’s one you can’t ignore: the Zeekr 009 people mover.<\/p>\n

The most niche, but also most outrageous Zeekr offering for NZ is the 009 luxury people-mover<\/a> ($157,990-$162,990), which offers a lounge-like rear compartment.<\/p>\n

Farizon<\/p>\n

Founded: 2016 Launched in NZ: August 2025 What does it sell? V7E and SV vans.<\/p>\n

\"Farizon
\nFarizon V7E aims to takes on diesel vans at their own game (and price).<\/p>\n

Farizon is a Geely subsidiary (also part of NordEast in NZ) formed to develop pure-electric commercial vehicles.<\/p>\n

The newest model for NZ is the V7E, which enters the traditional medium-van market at price-parity to diesel models. It\u2019s priced from $55,990 and offers a 67kWh battery with a 100kW motor and up to 329km range (WLTP).<\/p>\n

Farizon is also continuing with its original SV (\u201dSuperVan\u201d), which comes with two battery sizes and in three different lengths. It\u2019s priced from $74,990-$89,990.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"New brands: it\u2019s rapidly and organically become a regular series for us; we\u2019re certainly never short of things…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":384049,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[199333,138,73273,45583,199334,199332,9883,28091,111,43,139,69,18928,33354],"class_list":{"0":"post-384048","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-business","8":"tag-baic","9":"tag-business","10":"tag-denza","11":"tag-dongfeng","12":"tag-farizon","13":"tag-forthing","14":"tag-gac","15":"tag-geely","16":"tag-new-zealand","17":"tag-news","18":"tag-newzealand","19":"tag-nz","20":"tag-xpeng","21":"tag-zeekr"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/384048","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=384048"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/384048\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/384049"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=384048"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=384048"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=384048"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}