New Car Registrations Surge, Green Cars Gain Market Share in Romania

New Car Registrations Surge, Green Cars Gain Market Share in Romania

New car registrations in Romania have witnessed a remarkable surge of 22.2% in the first seven months of 2023 compared to the same period last year, according to data from the Association of Producers and Importers of Automobiles (APIA). What’s even more impressive is the significant jump in green cars, which have experienced a staggering increase of 36.5% and now account for a market share of 22.9%.

The statistics, cited by Economedia, reveal the top ten brands dominating the Romanian market in the first seven months of this year. Dacia leads the pack with 29,044 units, followed by Renault (8,935 units), Toyota (6,677), Volkswagen (6,345), Ford (6,130), Skoda (6,076), Hyundai (5,554), Mercedes-Benz (5,133), Suzuki (2,770), and BMW (2,681). These figures shed light on the preferences of Romanian consumers when it comes to car brands.

Digging deeper into the market, the passenger car segment represents a significant 84% of the total market. In July 2023, it recorded a volume of 13,431 units, reflecting a 12% increase compared to the same month in 2022. Analyzing the type of fuel used by registered cars during the reference period, it becomes apparent that gasoline-powered vehicles saw a slight decrease of 1.4% compared to the preceding year, making up 63.9% of the market.

Diesel-powered cars also experienced a 1% decline year-on-year, holding a 13.1% market share. On the other hand, electrified cars, including both fully electric and hybrid models, reached an impressive market share of 22.9% after the first seven months, surpassing diesel engines by 9.8%. The surge in electric cars is particularly notable, with fully electric vehicles holding a 10.4% market share in the same timeframe, compared to 7.9% recorded a year ago. The purchase of eco-friendly cars has increased by 36.5% during the first seven months of this year, driven by substantial growth in fully electric cars (+62.7%) and plug-in hybrids (+48.8%).

Examining the monthly data, electric car sales skyrocketed by an outstanding 86.4% in July 2023 compared to the same month last year. Similarly, during the first half of this year, electric car sales saw an impressive 62.7% increase compared to the previous year in this segment. Plug-in hybrid car sales have also reached significant volumes, with a growth rate of 60.5% in July 2023 compared to July 2022, and a rise of 48.8% in the first seven months compared to the same period last year.

Moreover, full hybrid car sales witnessed a moderate increase of 7.9% compared to July 2022 and a steady growth of 11.5% in the first seven months of the previous year. Among the best-selling fully electric cars in Romania, the Dacia Spring takes the lead with 4,094 units, followed by the Tesla Model Y (1,109 units), Renault Megane (586 units), Tesla Model 3 (552 units), and Volkswagen e-UP! (364 units).

These statistics indicate a clear shift in consumer preferences towards greener and more sustainable options in the Romanian automobile market. With the sales of electric and hybrid cars on the rise, it is evident that Romanians are embracing the eco-friendly revolution. As the infrastructure for electric vehicles continues to improve, it is expected that the market share of green cars will continue to grow, making Romania a frontrunner in sustainable transportation.

In conclusion, the surge in new car registrations in Romania demonstrates the resilience and adaptability of the automotive industry in the face of changing consumer demands. The significant increase in green cars, particularly electric vehicles, indicates a growing awareness and commitment to environmental sustainability. As Romania embraces a greener future, the automotive market is poised for continued growth and innovation.