The auto vehicle sales rose by 20.2% in Romania last year, reaching 120,591 units. However, the domestic car production was slightly lower compared to 2014.

The passenger car sales went up by 18.7%, to 98,325 units, while the commercial vehicle sales grew by more than 27%, according to data from the Automotive Manufacturers and Importers Association (APIA).

The growth in passenger car sales was mainly supported by the acquisitions made by local companies, which stood for almost three-quarters (74%) of the total sales. Only one in four new cars were bought by individuals.

Local carmaker Dacia increased its sales in the local market by 25.9%, to 33,890 units, reaching a 34.5% market share (in the passenger car segment).

Next came Volkswagen, with 9,791 cars sold and a 10% market share, and Skoda – 8,849 cars sold, 9% market share. Both brands increased their sales by about 13%. Ford and Renault completed the top 5. Each sold over 6,000 units and had market shares of about 6%.

In the models’ ranking, Dacia Logan’s sales increased by 42%, to over 16,000 units. Next came Dacia Duster, Dacia Sandero, and Skoda Octavia.

The national car production declined by 1.1% compared to the previous year, to almost 387,200 units. Dacia produced 330,204 cars and Ford - 47,967 units.

Dacia Duster was the most exported model, with over 162,600 cars.

editor@romania-insider.com