Cartell Reveals Increasing Dominance of Japanese Imports in Ireland with 56.57% Jump in September Alone
Cartell Insights
New analysis by Cartell (SIMI registrations). January–September 2025.
Total Japan-sourced imports (YTD)
Year-to-date change
September YoY
Japan vs UK (YTD)
Irish registrations of used cars imported from Japan continue to surge. From January to September 2025, volumes rose 19.84% to 26,942 units. September alone jumped 56.57% year-on-year.
Used imports from the UK fell −20.91% year-to-date (9,790 vs 12,379 in 2024). With Japan at 26,942 (+19.84%), Japan now supplies almost three times as many used cars as the UK—a decisive sourcing shift that continued in September (UK −9.85% YoY).
Engine mix
Diesel is rebounding from a low base: up to 2,203 units from 872 in 2024 (+152.64%).
Age profile
6–9 years at 51.08%; 10+ years account for 36.75%.
Japan vs UK (YTD 2025)
Japan (YTD)
26,942
≈ 73.4% of Japan+UK
UK (YTD)
9,790
≈ 26.6% of Japan+UK
Japan is ≈ 2.75× the UK by volume YTD (26,942 vs 9,790).
Top models
| Model | Units |
|---|---|
| VW Golf | 3,858 |
| VW Polo | 2,588 |
| Audi A3 | 2,043 |
| Honda Fit | 1,612 |
| Toyota Prius Hybrid | 1,268 |
German badges lead among Japan-sourced imports, with Volkswagen out in front.
How to history-check a Japanese import
When a vehicle is flagged as a Japanese import in a Cartell Car Check, buyers and dealers can purchase a Car VX Japanese vehicle history report using the VIN/chassis. Car VX draws on Japanese government (MLIT) and private databases to verify odometer and repair history, theft/flood/fire incidents, manufacturer recalls, prior usage (e.g. taxi/police), safety assessments and even radiation-contamination risk.