Case study · 24 September 2026
Real Import Example: A 2024 Volvo XC90 T8 From Japan, €15,000 Below the Irish Price
In short: A 2024 Volvo XC90 T8 Ultimate plug-in hybrid bought at a Japanese auction for €28,700 landed on Irish plates for about €49,572, against around €65,000 for a comparable car in Ireland.
The car
A 2024 Volvo XC90 T8 Ultimate plug-in hybrid: a large seven-seat luxury SUV with the plug-in drivetrain that keeps its VRT band low.
The numbers
| Auction price in Japan | €28,700 |
|---|---|
| RoRo shipping to Ireland | €1,700 |
| Customs duty, VAT, clearance, our fee and NCT | included in the total below |
| VRT (plug-in hybrid band) | €5,500 |
| Total on Irish plates | €49,572 |
| Typical Irish price for a comparable car | about €65,000 |
| Saving | about €15,400 |
What made it work
- Premium cars depreciate quickly in Japan, so nearly new examples come to auction at strong prices.
- The plug-in hybrid's low CO₂ kept the VRT far below a petrol or diesel equivalent.
- The translated auction sheet confirmed the extra features before we bid.
The XC90 is built in Sweden, so it pays the standard 10% duty. A Japan-built car of similar value would save more under the 0% duty rules.
Want the same maths for your car? Use our "Is it worth importing?" tool.
Frequently asked questions
Is it worth importing a luxury SUV from Japan?
Often yes, especially plug-in hybrids, where low CO₂ keeps VRT down while Japanese depreciation keeps auction prices low.
Does a Volvo from Japan qualify for 0% duty?
No. Volvos are built in Europe, so the standard 10% duty applies.