Dacia sales in the EU up by 8.8pc in March. Romania’s new cars market up by 27.5pc in Q1

Dacia car sales in Europe (EU and EFTA) increased by 8.8% in March, whereas the market share was stable at 2.3%, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) data released on Wednesday. Dacia car registrations amounted to 44,296 units, up against March 2016 (40,731 units).

In the first three months of this year, the Dacia car sales increased by 9.9% in Europe, whereas the market share was of 2.6%. Dacia car registrations were of 111,126 units, up against the similar period in 2016 (101,126 units).

In March 2017, EU passenger car registrations increased significantly (+11.2%), totalling 1,891,583 units. This level of growth is mainly due to Easter falling in March last year and in April this year. In volume terms, this result marked the highest March total on record. All the big five markets recorded very strong performances during the month, with Italy (+18.2%), Spain (+12.6%) and Germany (+11.4%) posting double-digit percentage gains, followed by the UK (+8.4%) and France (+7.0%).

From January to March 2017, demand for passenger cars increased by 8.4%, totalling 4,141,269 units. Italy (+11.9%), Spain (+7.9%), Germany (+6.7%), the United Kingdom (+6.2%) and France (+4.8%) all saw their markets grow during the first three months of the year, contributing to the overall upturn of the EU market.

Romania’s new cars market up by 27.5pc in Q1

The Romanian new cars market has increased by 27.5% up to 22,276 units in the first quarter, the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) data released on Wednesday reveal, the second largest increase among the 31 European countries considered.

Greece registered the highest increase, i.e. 37.7%.

According to the Directorate for Driving and Vehicle Registration (DRPCIV) in Q1 some 128,123 second hand vehicles were registered, up by 98.05% against the similar period in 2016.