New data points to large increase in Japanese imports
New analysis from Cartell, based on SIMI data, shows a surge in Irish registrations of used cars imported from Japan.
Between January and September 2025, registrations have risen 19.84 per cent to 26,942 units.
In September alone, registrations climbed 56.57 per cent compared with the same month in 2024, pointing to a growing appetite for high-quality Japanese imports among Irish buyers.
Used imports from the UK fell -20.91 per cent year-to-date (9,790 vs 12,379 in 2024).
With 26,942 Japan-sourced imports (+19.84 per cent), Japan now supplies almost three-times as many used cars as the UK — a decisive shift in sourcing that continued in September (UK -9.85 per cent YoY).
Wesley Littleford, commercial operations manager at Cartell, said the market has adapted fast to the unpredictable import costs and conditions from the UK.
“Japan has emerged as a stable, affordable source, so more buyers and dealers are sourcing there,” he added.
According to the new stats, petrol-electric hybrids now account for almost a quarter (6,704 units) of all used imports from Japan, up from 22.21 per cent year on year.
Petrol accounts for 65.06 per cent of imports (17,528 units), representing a decline from 72.45 per cent market share in 2024. Diesel is rebounding from a low base (872 units), up 152.64 per cent year-on-year to 2,203 units, now 8.18 per cent of Japan-sourced imports.
Older vehicles are prominent too, with six- to nine-year-old models making up 51.08 per cent (13,762 units) of imports and 10+ years rising to 36.75 per cent.
Among Japanese imported cars, German marques continue to lead overall. Volkswagen is the most popular make imported from Japan, led by the Golf and Polo. Toyota ranks second, boosted by strong demand for the Prius hybrid, up 55 per cent on last year. Audi follows in third.
Leading models by volume are the VW Golf (3,858), VW Polo (2,588), Audi A3 (2,043), Honda Fit (1,612) and Toyota Prius Hybrid (1,268). Interest in EVs remains low, with just 19 pure EV imports so far this year.