Leaf registrations double

The number of used-imported cars registered in New Zealand decreased by 1.3 per cent last month to 7,167, when compared with the 7,259 units in May 2025.

However, May’s total was up 5.6 per cent from 6,784 registrations in April this year

The year-to-date total stands at 36,725, which is 4.6 per cent higher than the 35,100 units at the same stage a year ago.

Toyota’s Aqua was the best-selling model last month with 633 registrations – down by 11 per cent from 711 units in May last year – and a market share of 8.8 per cent.

The Toyota Prius claimed second spot on 404 units and 5.6 per cent of the market, Nissan’s Note was third with 369 and 5.1 per cent, and Toyota’s Corolla came fourth with 319 and 4.5 per cent.

Next was Nissan’s Leaf, pictured, after recording 275 registrations, more than double its tally of 136 a year ago. This gave it a 3.8 per cent share of the market in May.

The Aqua leads the year-to-date standings on 3,490 units and a market share of 9.5 per cent, followed by the Prius on 2,264 and 6.2 per cent.

Toyota was the number one marque in May with 2,478 registrations for 34.6 per cent of the market. Its monthly total was down by 8.2 per cent from 2,698 in the same month of 2025. 

Nissan was the second most popular brand last month with 1,214 units for a market share of 16.9 per cent, and Mazda was third on 847 and 11.8 per cent. 

Year to date, Toyota leads the way with 12,983 registrations and a 35.4 per cent market share. 

Nissan is next on 5,781 and 15.7 per cent, and Mazda has 4,618 and 12.6 per cent.