Marque clinches trifecta

The number of used-imported cars registered in New Zealand fell by 8.5 per cent last month to 7,479, when compared with the 8,172 units in August 2024.

It brings the year-to-date total to 57,483, which is 16.9 per cent lower than the 69,188 units at the same stage a year ago.

The Toyota Aqua was the most popular model last month with 822 registrations – up 2.1 per cent from 805 units in August last year – and a market share of 11 per cent.

Toyota snared the top three spots in August as its Prius was second on 563 units and 7.5 per cent and the Corolla came third with 386 and 5.2 per cent.

Nissan’s Note, pictured, was fourth on the ladder after recording 324 sales for 4.3 per cent of the market. It was also the biggest climber of August’s top 10 with a year-on-year increase of 18.7 per cent.

The Mazda Axela completed the top five on 307 units and 4.1 per cent.

The Aqua is top of the year-to-date standings on 5,977 units and a market share of 10.4 per cent, followed by the Prius on 4,196  and 7.3 per cent.

Toyota was the leading marque in August with 2,838 registrations for 37.9 per cent of the market. Its monthly total was down by 2.2 per cent from 2,903 in the same month of 2024. 

Mazda was the second most popular brand last month with 1,099 units for a market share of 14.7 per cent, and Nissan was third on 993 registrations, or 13.3 per cent. 

Year to date, Toyota leads the marques’ ladder with 21,298 registrations and a 37.1 per cent market share. 

Nissan is next on 8,042 and 14 per cent, and Mazda has 7,769 and 13.5 per cent.