Sales of eco cars increase 185% in first five months in Romania

Romanians bought 717 eco cars (both electric and hybrid) in the first five months of this year, up 185% compared to the same period in 2016. By comparison, the sales of eco cars reached 251 between January and May 2016. The share of “green cars” in the total number of sold cars amounted to 1.6% in Romania in the first five months of this year. The sales of electric cars doubled during this period (114.3%) whereas the sales of hybrid vehicles rose by 194.6% year-on-year. In May, 169 eco cars were sold in Romania, up 20% over the same month in 2016. The most popular electric cars in the first five months of this year were Mercedes Benz, with 19 units, followed by BMW, with 16 units and Audi, with 8 cars. The best-selling hybrid cars during this period were Toyota (597 units) and Lexus (52). The sales of electric and hybrid cars reached 1,183 units last year, up 138% over 2015. The state is trying to encourage the eco car sales by granting higher eco-bonuses this year to those who buy electric or hybrid cars via the Rabla Plus program. editor@romania-insider.com