The average age of New Zealand cars has reached 14 years for an increase of 3.5 years since 2000, according to Stuff.co.nz.

The major influx of imported used cars, especially those from Japan, has caused these fleets to age. Import standards on emissions and safety do not exclude older cars.

Last year, the average age of the 125,000 cars that were imported was eight years, said David Vinsen, the chief executive of the Imported Motor Vehicle Industry Association.

Eight years was a concerning number to car importers, as well as the association, which represents new car dealers and wants to see tougher import rules, such as imposing an import restriction on vehicles that are over eight years old.