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Decline in Electric Vehicle Registrations in July
The registration of electric vehicles (BEVs) experienced a notable drop in July, primarily attributed to the former market leader, Dacia Spring, along with other pricier models that saw their Rabla Plus subsidies halved.
Market Overview from APIA
Following the initial data released by DRPCIV and ACAROM, APIA has provided updated insights regarding the automotive market trends in Romania for July, highlighting a significant decline in electric vehicle sales. This downturn was foreseen as early as December by car importers and the Dacia manufacturer due to the reduction of the Rabla Plus voucher for fully electric vehicles.
Statistics and Market Share
The statistics for July registrations reveal the extent of the loss: a staggering 68% decrease in the electric vehicle segment, resulting in a market share drop to 4.9%. Overall, the automotive market grew by 0.5% compared to July 2023, but it faced a 36% decline from the prior month, which saw a surge in vehicle registrations that could no longer be registered after July 1st. The passenger car segment alone experienced a 4.4% decrease in July, yet it maintains a 10% increase compared to last year, thanks to prior months’ growth.
Propulsion Type Breakdown
When analyzing the data by propulsion type, the most pronounced decline is observed in fully electric vehicles. After seven months, they have registered a 29.4% decrease, totaling 6,343 units (over 2,300 fewer units). In contrast, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) saw an 11.3% increase this year, reaching 3,483 units (an increase of 350 units). Additionally, hybrids, often referred to as the new diesel, surged by 59%, hitting 12,195 units within the same seven-month period.
Top Selling Electric Models
The best-selling electric vehicle in July was the Tesla Model 3, which sold 168 units, reflecting a 15% increase from the previous year. Dacia Spring, which had dominated the market for the past two years, fell to second place with only 67 units sold, marking a staggering 92% decline. The Hyundai Kona secured the third spot with 56 units sold.
Hybrid Vehicle Sales
In the hybrid category, a new contender has emerged among the top-selling gasoline-electric vehicles. While the top two spots continue to be held by Toyota models, the Corolla and RAV4, the Dacia Duster has entered the fray, now equipped with its first hybrid engine in its third generation. The number of hybrid Duster units sold reached 168.
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Romanians Show Interest in Propulsion Trends
Recent data highlights the growing curiosity among Romanians regarding various propulsion technologies. While the market dynamics have shifted, certain brands continue to capture consumer attention.
Sales Performance of Leading Brands
In July, the automotive landscape saw varied performance among top brands. Dacia experienced a decline in sales, dropping by 16%, indicating a potential shift in consumer preferences. On the other hand, Toyota reported a positive trend with a 9% increase in sales, suggesting that their offerings resonate well with the market. Hyundai emerged as a strong contender, showcasing a remarkable growth of 40.2%, thus solidifying its position in the competitive automotive sector.
Top Models in Demand
When examining the most popular car models, the data reveals a mixed bag. The Dacia Logan faced a slight decrease in sales, falling by 4.2%. Conversely, the Dacia Duster demonstrated impressive resilience with a 24.5% increase, indicating its appeal among consumers. Meanwhile, the Dacia Sandero saw a decline of 13.6%, reflecting the challenges faced by some models in maintaining their market presence.
Conclusion
Overall, these trends reveal a nuanced landscape in the automotive industry, with shifting sales figures highlighting the varying levels of interest in specific brands and models among Romanian consumers. As propulsion technologies continue to evolve, it will be intriguing to observe how these trends develop in the future.
