Monthly gain for used imports

There were 6,177 used passenger vehicles imported last month as the number of units crossing our borders fell 6.4 per cent from 6,602 units a year ago.

However, the latest tally represented an increase of 20.2 per cent from January this year when 5,139 units came into the country, according to figures from Customs NZ. 

Last month, 5,968 units were imported from Japan for a 96.6 per cent share of the market. Australia was next with 165 units, followed by the US and UK tied on 14. 

As for used light commercials, 251 crossed the border in February. This was up by 39.4 per cent year-on-year from 180 units and 34.9 per cent higher than January’s total of 186.

New cars on the up

As for new passenger vehicles, some 7,116 units were brought into New Zealand last month. 

This meant a 25.3 per cent rise from 5,682 units in February last year and a 10.7 per cent increase from 5,756 in January.

Japan was the main country of export with 3,305 units, followed by South Korea with 1,530, Thailand on 832, China with 792 and Turkey on 148.

For new light commercials, there were 1,863 units imported in February, which was 0.4 per cent more than the 1,855 achieved a year ago. The latest figure was down 10.5 per cent from 2,082 units in January.

Overall, 15,806 vehicles, including trucks and buses, crossed our border in February. This was up from 14,282 in the previous month.