Used-vehicle imports soar

There were 8,121 used passenger vehicles imported into New Zealand during January, which was 59.8 per cent higher than for the same month a year ago.

Last month’s total included 7,985 cars coming from Japan, which claimed a market share of 98.3 per cent, according to the figures from Customs NZ. 

Next up in January was Australia with 74 units and 98.3 per cent of the monthly total. The UK claimed third place with 20  and was followed by Singapore on 18 and the US on 12.

The overall total meant 3,029 more units crossed our borders than in January 2023, when the tally reached 5,082.

The latest figure was also 4.5 per cent higher than the 7,772 used cars imported in December last year.

As for used light commercials, there were 365 imports in January – a 125.3 per cent increase from 162 units a year ago. 

Last month’s figure was also up by 20.1 per cent from the 304 units imported in December 2023.

New imports tumble

There were 4,504 new passenger vehicles imported in January, which represented a 24.7 per cent decrease from the 5,985 units in the same month of last year. 

The monthly tally was also down 39.6 per cent from December when 7,454 new cars crossed our borders.

Japan was the top source of new vehicles, accounting for 2,311 units, with South Korea second on 679. China, Thailand and Belgium were next on the list with 552, 478 and 151 units, respectively.

For new light commercials, there were 700 units imported last month, a drop of 60.1 per cent from 1,753 in January 2023. The figure was also 68.2 per cent lower than the 2,201 units in December last year.

Overall, 14,204 vehicles, including trucks and buses, crossed our border in January, which was up from 18,413 the previous month.