Momentum Building as ADHL Accelerates Growth Trajectory
Auto Distribution Holdings is hitting the throttle hard at this year’s Fieldays, showcasing an impressive portfolio of vehicle brands and announcing significant dealer network expansion. The timing couldn’t be better—year-to-date May sales have surged to 1,276 units, representing a remarkable 201% growth year-on-year. This impressive momentum reflects both the quality of the vehicles on offer and the increasing appetite New Zealand motorists have for innovative, value-driven vehicles.
“Our brands are continuing to gain traction with Kiwi buyers because they deliver exceptional technology, innovation and a range of value propositions across different market segments,” said Simon Rutherford, CEO Auto Distribution Holdings Limited. “We’re building long-term partnerships and momentum for our family of brands and look forward to expanding the product and service offerings available to our customers,” he added. This sentiment perfectly captures ADHL’s ambitious strategy as it transforms the New Zealand automotive landscape.
Leapmotor: Leading the Charge into Q3
Leapmotor is front and center in ADHL’s expansion plans, leveraging its highly integrated in-house engineering capabilities and flexible vehicle platform architecture to rapidly expand its model range. The brand’s dual BEV and REEV strategy is proving particularly effective, addressing diverse customer preferences and driving significant order momentum.
The B10 and C10 BEVs Set the Standard
Recent introductions like the B10 BEV and C10 BEV AWD are generating strong forward order momentum for Leapmotor. The C10 AWD stands out particularly in the medium SUV segment, offering dual-motor performance and all-wheel-drive capability that appeals to buyers seeking both efficiency and driving dynamics. This vehicle demonstrates how Leapmotor is positioning itself as a serious contender in the EV market.
B10 REEV: Extending Range, Expanding Appeal
The all-new B10 REEV represents Leapmotor’s commitment to offering solutions for varied driving needs. Priced from $39,990+ORC for the B10 Life REEV, this model combines electric driving benefits with extended range capability while maintaining a strong focus on safety, including advanced occupant and child protection technologies. For buyers hesitant about full electrification, the REEV format offers the perfect bridge between worlds.
B05: Performance Meets Practicality
Perhaps the most exciting Leapmotor announcement is the all-new B05, a performance-focused hot hatch targeting drivers who crave engaging driving dynamics blended with everyday practicality. The B05 Design model produces 160kW of power and 240Nm of torque from its 67.1kWh battery, delivering up to 480km of range (WLTP). With its 50:50 weight distribution, rear-mounted electric motor, and multi-link suspension, the B05 promises genuinely engaging handling and responsive steering. The B05 launch pricing is competitive—$43,990+ORC for the Life version with a 56.2kWh battery and $47,990+ORC for the Design model. This new model significantly broadens Leapmotor’s appeal beyond the traditional SUV-dominated EV segment.
Network Growth Supporting Expansion
Leapmotor’s dealer footprint has grown meaningfully, with new models now available at nine locations including Hamilton, Tauranga, Taupo, Wellington, Christchurch, and four Auckland dealers. This geographic expansion ensures customers across the North and South Islands have convenient access to Leapmotor’s innovative vehicles.
BAIC: From Launch to Market Leader
BAIC’s entry into the New Zealand market has been nothing short of spectacular since its late February launch, with both the X55 and B30 mid-sized SUVs gaining rapid sales momentum. The flagship B30 Premium Adventure Hybrid All-Wheel Drive is proving particularly popular, alongside the X55 Premium Plus.
At Fieldays, BAIC is offering compelling value propositions—the B30 AWD features a special offer of $49,990+ORC with 50% savings on the roof platform, while the X55 Premium Plus boasts a launch offer of $35,990, saving $2,000 off the recommended retail price. These aggressive pricing strategies are helping BAIC establish itself as a serious player in the SUV market.
Premium Ambitions with Arcfox
Beyond these mainstream offerings, BAIC is introducing Arcfox, its premium sub-brand, which has already generated strong interest. The entry-level Arcfox T1 Premium fully electric vehicle is particularly noteworthy, arriving in showrooms at the start of August and available from $34,990+ORC. This pricing positions Arcfox competitively in the premium EV segment.
Future prospects look equally bright, with the X55 Hybrid coming later this year. The BAIC and Arcfox network is expanding with three new dealers on the immediate horizon, lifting the national network from eight to eleven. This strategic expansion ensures BAIC products remain accessible to customers nationwide.
Dongfeng: Breaking Barriers to EV Ownership
Since its debut just over six months ago, Dongfeng has become one of the fastest-growing new EV marques in the country, breaking barriers to EV ownership through exceptional value and innovation. The brand offers impressive warranty coverage—a transferable 6-year/200,000km vehicle warranty, 8-year/200,000km battery warranty, and six-year roadside assistance. This comprehensive coverage reflects Dongfeng’s confidence in its vehicles and commitment to customer satisfaction.
BOX: Accessible Electrification
The standout offering is undoubtedly the new MY26 BOX, available with enhanced safety features including six airbags as standard. Remarkably, the BOX is currently the only new-energy vehicle available for sale in New Zealand priced under $30,000 with a WLTP range exceeding 300km. The price point is an astounding $29,990+ORC, making EV ownership genuinely accessible to budget-conscious buyers.
Additional features found on the MY26 BOX demonstrate excellent value: a 12-inch touchscreen with integrated Apple CarPlay, external fun speaker, heated and ventilated driver’s seat, power driver’s seat, wireless phone charging, 360-degree camera, and adaptive cruise control with automatic parking. These features would typically command premium pricing in traditional ICE vehicles.
Expanded Lineup
The Dongfeng lineup also includes the VIGO and 007 models, both featuring the same warranty and assistance packages as the BOX. Together, these models address different customer segments while maintaining Dongfeng’s reputation for accessible innovation.
Smart: Luxury and Innovation
For the premium segment, smart’s new #5 arrives in dealerships this month, available from $79,990+ORC. Combining an SUV-inspired body style with all-road capability, the #5 delivers a WLTP range approaching 600km, making it competitive with premium offerings from established brands. Smart has also expanded its dealer network, adding three new outlets in Albany, Hamilton, and Tauranga to its existing locations in Botany, Auckland, and Christchurch. As always, smart’s range benefits from Brabus derivatives, offering customers premium customization options. Additional details about the #5 are being released in coming weeks.
Looking Forward – An Industry Transformed
What makes ADHL’s Fieldays presence particularly significant is the breadth of its offerings. From the accessible Dongfeng BOX at under $30,000, through Leapmotor’s innovative platform-based vehicles, BAIC’s rapid market expansion, to smart’s premium positioning, ADHL is covering virtually every automotive segment with vehicles that prioritize technology, innovation, and value.
“It’s an exciting time to be involved in the industry as the rate of change and new model introductions is phenomenal,” Rutherford noted. “It is rewarding to deliver a wide range of capable vehicles from entry to premium positions and across core segments to deliver value and satisfaction to our customers”. This statement encapsulates why ADHL’s Fieldays display matters—it represents nothing less than the transformation of the New Zealand automotive market through quality vehicles, competitive pricing, and strategic dealer expansion.
The ADHL Fieldays display is located on the Motor Vehicles Road at Site I50, offering visitors the opportunity to experience firsthand why Auto Distribution Holdings is reshaping New Zealand’s automotive future.
