More premium cars sold in Hungary last year than ever before

Statistics show that the sales of premium cars in Hungary are rising. There was a 9.5% increase last year. The most popular brands are Mercedes, BMW and Audi. SUVs were particularly popular among clients last year, while electric cars are lagging behind.

Sales of premium cars increased by 9.5% in Hungary in 2018: 12,949 premium cars were sold in Hungary out of the 136,601 cars altogether that were sold last year.

Last year, there was a 17.5 % growth in the automotive market in Hungary. After a bit of a downhill, the sales of lower-priced cars increased again, while the sales of premium cars grow 10% each year.

According to the Hungarian Vehicle Importers Association (MGE), 20 brands belong to the premium segment; however, three brands rule the segment: Mercedes, BMW and Audi, which take home 72.5% of sales, Portfolio reports. Other brands in the premium segment include Volvo, Lexus, Infiniti, Jaguar and Porsche. After BMW’s newest investment finishes, all three brands will have production sites in Hungary.

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According to Tamás Hesz, Sales and Marketing Director at Mercedes-Benz Hungaria Ltd., SUVs (sport utility vehicles) are the most popular in the premium segment as well.  He also thinks that even though electric plug-in hybrid cars are the future, the majority of sales consist of gasoline- and diesel-powered cars.

No. 1 Mercedes

The premium segment is ruled by Mercedes. The brand sold 4018 cars in 2018, which is a 25% increase compared to 2017. SUVs were the most popular ones. The sales of Mercedes SUVs increased by 46% last year. The brand aims to represent itself on the hybrid market as well; their full electric model comes out this year.

No. 2 BMW

The second biggest premium car seller in Hungary is BMW, who managed to sell 3140 cars in Hungary last year. That is a 16.3% increase compared to 2017. Interestingly, BMW managed to increase sales in all categories, not only SUVs. However, the sales of SUVs did increase the most, by 42% (1411 sold cars). 64% of all all-wheel-drive cars that were sold in 2018 were BMWs. BMW also sold 160 electric and plug-in hybrid cars, which makes it the most popular brand in this particular segment of the market.

No. 3 Audi

2229 Audis were bought last year, which is a 19% increase in the company’s sales. 32% of the sold cars were SUVs, so that particular type was the most popular among Audis as well. Audi has not come out with an electric model yet. The brand aims to produce one completely electric model each year, starting from 2019.

Source: www.portfolio.hu