Sales of new automobiles, LCVs , heavy vehicles and motorcycles for the nine months of the year mark a growth of 43.8% from the like period of the previous year. The information is released by the Car Importers Union and it does not embrace sales of the Hyunday and Porshe makes, as their importers are not Union members. In absolute figures is signifies that 5099 vehicles more than the respective period last year were sold within the January-September period 2004, during which car importers have struck 16726 deals.
Market leader this year again is Sofia France Auto, importer of Peugeot who has sold 2461 cars (2000 in 2003). Sofia France Auto however has almost lost a 2% market share (17.20% in 2003 - 15.29% this year).
Second best is Moto Pfoe, the Ford dealer, with 1554 sales and 9.66% market share. Third ranks the Toyota dealer - TM Auto - with 1504 sold vehicles.
The top ranking players are the same as in 2003, only FORD sales have lept two positions upward, outstripping Citroen (now 4th) and Toyota.
Automobiles and LCVs form the bulk of the sales - 16093 in 2004, 11284 in 2003, with an aggregate growth of 42%. Most favored are the medium class cars, to which belong 24.5% of the market. The typical representative of this class Skoda Fabia is the most purchased car - 807 sales.
The truck market observes a slight activity - 501 sales against 313 last year. IVECO is on the lead with 148 sold vehicles and a 29% market share.
Bus sales register a tiny drop - 29 sales this year, 30 in 2004. Worth of mention however is the fact that a very popular make of the recent past is again on the market these days - this is SETRA which is likely to stir up the sector.
As last year, the animation in the new car sales is largely attributed to the very advantageous leasing contracting schemes, which provide longer reimbursement period, longer warranty term, improved post-purchase servicing and last but lot least - the growing conviction that a new car finally proves cheaper and more useful than the used car imports.