Used registrations climb

The number of used-imported cars registered in New Zealand increased by 38.7 per cent last month to 9,003, when compared with the 6,491 units in July 2023.

The latest figures take the year-to-date total to 61,094, which is 6.3 per cent lower than the 65,183 units at the same stage a year ago.

Toyota’s Aqua was the most popular model last month with 842 registrations – down 32 per cent from 1,238 units in July last year – and a market share of 9.4 per cent.

The top four spots were unchanged from June with Toyota’s Prius next on 702 units and 7.8 per cent of the market, and its Corolla was fourth on 356 and four per cent.

Splitting those models was the Mazda Axela, pictured, in third on 367 registrations and a 4.1 per cent market share, while Nissan’s X-Trail was fifth with 312 units and 3.5 per cent.

The Aqua is top of the year-to-date standings on 6,037 units and a market share of 9.9 per cent, followed by the Prius on 4,976 and 8.1 per cent.

Completing the top five for the first half of the year are the Axela on 2,299 registrations, the Corolla with 2,299 and Nissan’s Note on 2,294.

Toyota was the top marque in July with 3,288 registrations for 36.5 per cent of the market. Its monthly total was up by 1.5 per cent from 3,241 in the same month of 2023. 

Mazda was the second most popular brand last month with 1,232 units for a market share of 13.7 per cent, and Nissan was third on 1,218 registrations, or 13.5 per cent. 

Year to date, Toyota leads the marques’ ladder with 22,951 registrations and a 37.6 per cent market share. 

The battle for second spot is tight with Mazda on 8,382 and Nissan on 8,256, giving both brands a 13.7 per cent slice of trade.