The sales of new cars and commercial vehicles in Romania soared by almost 22% year-on-year to slightly over 11,000 units in January 2019, according to the association of car producers and importers APIA.

Passenger car sales increased by over 23%, to more than 8,800 units. The sales were mainly supported by legal persons, which accounted for 65% of total car purchases in January.

"It is worth noting that the number of cars purchased by natural persons this month (3,057 units) is 77% higher than in January of last year (1,728 units); as a result, their share rose from 24% in 2018 to 35% in 2019," APIA officials pointed out.

This shows the local consumers' appetite for purchasing new cars without waiting for the Government-funded allowance programme Rabla to start, amid stronger revenues, but also driven by the discounts given by manufacturers and their representatives in Romania, according to APIA.

Local brand Dacia sold 42% more passenger cars in January 2019 compared to the same month of 2018, maintaining first place in terms of sales, with 2,440 units. Ford went up to second place, with 926 units sold, up 66% year-on-year.

editor@romania-insider.com

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