Ireland now buys three times more used cars from Japan than the UK

Imports from Japan have risen 19.84% to 26,942 units so far this year, data shows

Used imports from the UK fell -20.91% year-to-date, from 12,379 in 2024 to 9,790 this year. With 26,942 Japan-sourced imports, Japan now supplies almost three times as many used cars as the UK —a decisive shift in sourcing that continued in September.

Ireland is now importing almost three times as many used cars from Japan than the UK, highlighting the growing appetite for high-quality imports among buyers.

Analysis from Cartell using car registration data shows imports from Japan have risen 19.84% to 26,942 units so far this year. In September alone, registrations climbed 56.57% compared with the same month in 2024.

Used imports from the UK fell -20.91% year-to-date, from 12,379 in 2024 to 9,790 this year. With 26,942 Japan-sourced imports, Japan now supplies almost three times as many used cars as the UK — a decisive shift in sourcing that continued in September.

"As import costs and conditions from the UK remain unpredictable, the market has adapted fast," Wesley Littleford, commercial operations manager at Cartell, said. "Japan has emerged as a stable, affordable source, so more buyers and dealers are sourcing there.” 

Petrol-electric hybrids now account for almost a quarter (6,704 units) of all used imports from Japan, up from 22.21% year on year. Petrol accounts for 65.06% of imports (17,528 units), representing a decline from 72.45% market share in 2024. Diesel is rebounding from a low base (872 units), up 152.64% year-on-year to 2,203 units, now 8.18% of Japan-sourced imports. 

Older vehicles are prominent too, with six- to nine-year-old models making up 51.08% (13,762 units) of imports and 10+ years rising to 36.75%.

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% 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.

Separate data from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry for September shows overall electric car sales in Ireland continued their resurgence, with new registrations increasing by 73.2% from a low base during the same month last year.

Between January and September, a total of 121,693 new cars were registered in Ireland — an increase of 3.7% year-on-year. Of that, electric cars accounted for 22,382, representing a 38.8% increase compared to the same period in 2024.