Used-imports market up 13.3%

The used-imported car market recorded a 373.1 per cent jump in battery-electric sales last month after they climbed from 130 in March 2025 to 615.

Rising fuel costs and concerns about future supplies have accelerated the uptake of low and zero-emissions models in recent weeks and last month’s registration figures show a major shift in consumer preferences.

The total number of used-imported cars registered in New Zealand increased by 13.3 per cent last month to 8,230, when compared with the 7,261 units in March 2025.

BEVs accounted for 7.5 per cent of the latest monthly total, which was above its year-to-date market share of 4.5 per cent.

Registrations of plug-in EVs climbed by 86.4 per cent after moving from 59 units a year ago to 110 in March, and traditional hybrids went from 3,417 to 4,149 over the same timeframe for a rise of 21.4 per cent.

Purchases of petrol models fell by 9.8 per cent to 3,211 units and diesels were up 51.6 per cent to 144.

The year-to-date total for used passenger vehicles now stands at 22,780, which is 6.4 per cent higher than the 21,414 units at the same stage a year ago.

Toyota’s Aqua, pictured, was the best-selling model last month with 791 registrations – up by 2.5 per cent from 772 units in March last year – and a market share of 9.6 per cent.

Toyota swept the top three spots as its Prius retained second place on the ladder with 525 units and 6.4 per cent, and the Corolla was third with 462 and 5.6 per cent.

Two Nissan models were next on the ladder. Its Leaf had 444 sales for a 5.4 per cent market share and the Note followed with 373 and 4.5 per cent.

The Aqua leads the year-to-date standings on 2,194 units and a market share of 9.6 per cent, followed by the Prius on 1,423 and 6.2 per cent.

Toyota was the number one marque in March with 2,982 registrations for 36.2 per cent of the market. Its monthly total was up by 9.5 per cent from 2,724 in the same month of 2025. 

Nissan was the second most popular brand last month with 1,413 units for a market share of 15.9 per cent, and Mazda was third on 976 and 11.9 per cent. 

Year to date, Toyota leads the way with 7,981 registrations and a 35 per cent market share. 

Nissan is next on 3,622 and 15.9 per cent, and Mazda has 3,026 and 13.3 per cent.