**Used Vehicle Imports Surge as New Car Registrations Drop in Cyprus**
In a notable shift within Cyprus' automotive market, the first seven months of 2026 have seen a significant rise in the registration of used vehicles, while new car registrations have continued to decline. According to data released by the statistical service, Cystat, a total of 34,787 motor vehicles were registered from January to July, reflecting an 11.5% increase compared to 31,200 during the same period in 2025.
The surge in used vehicle registrations is particularly striking, as they climbed by 24.1%, rising from 17,144 to 21,270. In contrast, new vehicle registrations fell by 3.8%, decreasing from 14,056 to 13,517. This trend was also evident in July, where overall vehicle registrations rose by 3.3% to 5,420, compared to 5,246 in July of the previous year. However, new vehicle registrations for the month dropped by 3.4% to 2,076, while used vehicles saw an 8% increase, totaling 3,344.
Passenger saloon cars continue to dominate the market, with registrations rising by 11.1% to 26,841 during the first seven months of the year, up from 24,158 in the same timeframe last year. Among these, 32.1% (8,614) were new vehicles, while a significant 67.9% (18,227) were used. In July alone, passenger car registrations increased by 2.2% to 4,244, compared to 4,154 in July 2025.
Conversely, the rental car segment experienced a downturn, with registrations falling by 11.8% from 3,581 to 3,159 between January and July. This decline contrasts sharply with the overall growth in the used vehicle market.
Another notable trend is the increasing popularity of hybrid vehicles, which now account for 51.9% of passenger car registrations, a substantial rise from 43.3% a year earlier. In contrast, petrol-powered cars saw their market share decrease from 43.3% to 35.5%, while diesel vehicles slightly declined from 8.5% to 8%. Electric cars also experienced a minor reduction in market share, accounting for 4.6% of passenger car registrations compared to 4.8% the previous year.
Beyond passenger vehicles, the registrations of motor coaches and buses saw a remarkable increase of 46.1%, reaching 130 compared to 89 during the first seven months of 2025. In July alone, registrations surged by 72.7% to 19, up from 11 in the same month last year. Goods vehicles also showed growth, with an overall increase of 12.9% to 4,074, up from 3,608. Within this category, light goods vehicles rose by 12.1% to 3,234, while heavy goods vehicles increased by 16.1% to 491. Additionally, road tractors climbed by 15.2% to 152, and rental goods vehicles saw a rise of 16.6% to 197. In July, goods vehicle registrations increased by a modest 2% to 564.
The two-wheeler market presented a mixed picture. Registrations of mopeds under 50cc fell significantly by 30.1% to 100 during the seven-month period, down from 143 last year, with July figures declining by 25.8% to 23. Conversely, mechanised cycles over 50cc saw a 12.9% increase to 3,167, compared to 2,806 the previous year, with July registrations rising by 10% to 486. Tractor registrations also edged up by 3.7% to 198, with July figures showing a notable increase of 54.2% to 37.
Finally, registrations of other vehicles, including road rollers, mobile cranes, and specialized vehicles, experienced a robust increase of 35.1%, totaling 277, following a 51.6% rise in July alone.
Overall, the data indicates a significant shift in consumer preferences within Cyprus' automotive market, with a marked increase in the uptake of used vehicles and hybrids, while new vehicle registrations continue to face challenges. The trends observed in the first half of 2026 may have lasting implications for the automotive industry in Cyprus as it adapts to changing consumer demands and market conditions.