Used vehicles drove a strong increase in Cyprus’ motor market during the first seven months of 2026, while registrations of new vehicles continued to decline, according to figures released by the statistical service (Cystat) on Friday.

A total of 34,787 motor vehicles were registered between January and July, marking an 11.5 per cent increase compared with 31,200 during the same period last year.

The gap between new and used vehicles was particularly striking. Used registrations climbed by 24.1 per cent, from 17,144 to 21,270, while registrations of new vehicles fell by 3.8 per cent to 13,517, from 14,056.

The same pattern was recorded in July, when overall registrations rose by 3.3 per cent to 5,420, compared with 5,246 in July 2025.

However, new registrations during the month fell by 3.4 per cent to 2,076, while used vehicles increased by 8 per cent to 3,344.

Passenger saloon cars remained by far the largest part of the market, with registrations rising by 11.1 per cent to 26,841 during the first seven months of the year, from 24,158 in the corresponding period of 2025.

Of these, 8,614, 32.1 per cent, were new, while 18,227, 67.9 per cent, were used.

In July alone, passenger car registrations increased by 2.2 per cent to 4,244, compared with 4,154 during the same month last year.

However, rental cars moved in the opposite direction, with registrations falling by 11.8 per cent from 3,581 to 3,159 between January and July.

Meanwhile, hybrids strengthened their grip on the passenger car market, accounting for 51.9 per cent of registrations, up sharply from 43.3 per cent a year earlier.

Petrol-powered cars saw their share fall from 43.3 per cent to 35.5 per cent, while diesel vehicles declined from 8.5 per cent to 8 per cent. Electric cars also recorded a marginal reduction in market share, accounting for 4.6 per cent of passenger car registrations compared with 4.8 per cent last year.

Beyond passenger cars, motor coach and bus registrations increased by 46.1 per cent, reaching 130 compared with 89 during the first seven months of 2025. In July, registrations rose by 72.7 per cent to 19, from 11 a year earlier.

Goods vehicles also recorded growth, increasing by 12.9 per cent to 4,074, from 3,608.

Within this category, light goods vehicles rose by 12.1 per cent to 3,234, while heavy goods vehicles increased by 16.1 per cent to 491. Road tractors climbed by 15.2 per cent to 152, and rental goods vehicles rose by 16.6 per cent to 197.

During July, goods vehicle registrations increased by a more modest 2 per cent to 564.

The picture was mixed for two-wheelers. Registrations of mopeds under 50cc fell by 30.1 per cent to 100 during the seven-month period, compared with 143 last year. July registrations declined by 25.8 per cent to 23.

In contrast, mechanised cycles over 50cc increased by 12.9 per cent to 3,167, from 2,806. Their July registrations rose by 10 per cent to 486.

Finally, tractor registrations edged up by 3.7 per cent to 198, although the July figure rose by 54.2 per cent to 37. Registrations of other vehicles, including road rollers, mobile cranes and specialised vehicles, increased by 35.1 per cent to 277, after rising by 51.6 per cent in July alone.