www.autofile.co.nz
APRIL 2025
THE TRUSTED VOICE OF THE NZ AUTO INDUSTRY FOR OVER 40 YEARS
Tougher import rules dent Japanese stock
Lobby group criticises EV plan p8
New Zealand has dropped out of the top three takers of used vehicles from Japan
$14m revamp for Porsche store
p 14
Toyota Genuine Parts expanding
More used-vehicle dealers turn to buying locally as they grapple with costs of clean car standard
T
he annual number of imported used vehicles from Japan has tumbled by more than 30,000 with the clean car standard (CCS) and its cost implications being cited as a key factor for the downturn. New Zealand has previously been the third biggest taker of used cars from Japan, behind the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Russia. However, it was overtaken last year by Mongolia and ended up in fourth spot.
Some 81,290 units were imported into this country from Japan in 2024, giving Aotearoa a 5.2 per cent share of the market. This compares with 114,252 and 7.4 per cent in the previous year. Mongolia’s market share climbed from 79,765 used imports, or 5.2 per cent, to 111,625 and 7.1 per cent over the same period. The UAE was the top destination for used vehicles from Japan last year with 226,698 units and a 14.4 per cent share of
the market, while Russia snared 199,098 cars for 12.7 per cent. Industry figures spoken to by Autofile have given their views on what’s behind the shift. They say legislation changes, increased buying from rival markets and exchange rates have contributed to the drop for Kiwi importers. Jim Shi, managing director of Autohub NZ, says the reduction in volumes can be attributed to domestic economic constraints
p 24
MG’s star signals tech progress p 25
Kia hosts electric vehicle day
p 28
[continued on page 4]
GLOBAL VEHICLE LOGISTICS NZ - JAPAN - AUSTRALIA - UK - SINGAPORE