Marque dominates sector

The number of used-imported cars registered in New Zealand fell by 22.9 per cent last month to 6,793, when compared with the 8,816 units in February 2024.

The latest figures take the year-to-date total to 14,167, which is 20 per cent lower than the 17,716 units at the same stage a year ago.

The Toyota Aqua was the most popular model last month with 708 registrations – down 26 per cent from 957 units in February last year – and a market share of 10.4 per cent.

Toyota took out the top three spots last month with its Prius next on 504 units and 7.4 per cent of the market and the Corolla on 333 and 4.9 per cent.

Honda’s Fit was fourth with 291 registrations and a 4.3 per cent market share, while the Mazda Axela claimed fifth spot with 267 units and 3.9 per cent.

The Corolla, pictured, was the only model in the top five to record a year-on-year increase in registrations, climbing 4.7 per cent from 318 a year ago.

The Aqua is top of the year-to-date standings on 1,403 units and a market share of 9.9 per cent, followed by the Prius on 965 and 6.8 per cent.

Toyota was the top marque in February with 2,521 registrations for 37.1 per cent of the market. Its monthly total was down by 26.4 per cent from 3,426 in the same month of 2024. 

Nissan was the second most popular brand last month with 914 units for a market share of 13.5 per cent, and Mazda was third on 827 registrations, or 12.2 per cent. 

Year to date, Toyota leads the marques’ ladder with 5,168 registrations and a 36.5 per cent market share. 

Nissan is next on 1,886 and 13.3 per cent, and Mazda has 1,730 and 12.2 per cent.