The Cyprus car market continues to demonstrate strong growth in 2026. According to data from the Statistical Service, the number of passenger car registrations during the first four months of the year reached 14,259 units, representing a 14% increase compared to the same period last year, when 12,509 vehicles were registered. This trend indicates sustained demand for vehicles among both private buyers and businesses.
Against the backdrop of growing interest in personal transportation, the market structure is gradually changing. Buyers are increasingly opting for economical and environmentally friendly solutions, which is particularly evident in the rising popularity of hybrid vehicles. At the same time, the used car segment remains highly active and continues to be the key driver of sales.
Used Cars Maintain Their Dominant Position
Used vehicles continue to account for the largest share of the market, sold through both official dealerships and specialized used-car retailers. Between January and April 2026, a total of 9,459 used passenger cars were registered, representing 66.3% of the overall market.
By comparison, registrations of new passenger cars totaled 4,800 units, accounting for 33.7% of the market. This ratio confirms that Cyprus residents continue to favor used vehicles due to their more affordable prices and wider selection of models.
Experts note that the steady demand for used cars is driven not only by pricing but also by the improved quality of imported vehicles from Europe and Japan, which traditionally enjoy strong trust among buyers.
Hybrids Become the Market’s Leading Segment
The most notable trend of 2026 has been the continued strengthening of hybrid vehicles. Their market share reached 50.8%, compared to 43.3% during the same period in 2025.
At the same time, interest in traditional internal combustion engine vehicles continues to decline. The share of gasoline-powered cars fell to 35.6%, down from 42.9% a year earlier. Diesel vehicles also lost market share, declining to 8.5% compared to 9% during the first quarter of the previous year.
Electric vehicles are showing more moderate but steady growth. Their market share increased to 5.2%, compared to 4.8% a year earlier. Although EV adoption remains relatively modest, the development of charging infrastructure in Cyprus and government support programs for sustainable transportation are creating favorable conditions for further expansion of the electric vehicle segment in the coming years.
Overall Passenger Car Market: Leading Brands
During January–April 2026, the total number of passenger car registrations reached 14,259 units, of which 12,866 were private vehicles. Toyota remained the undisputed market leader with 3,137 registrations. The Japanese brand continues to hold the top position thanks to its broad lineup of hybrid models and strong reputation for reliability.
Mazda ranked second with 1,628 registrations. It was followed by Nissan with 1,198 vehicles, BMW with 914, and Mercedes with 805 registered cars.
The top ten also included Kia with 580 registrations, Honda with 554, Volkswagen with 444, Hyundai with 354, and Audi with 305 vehicles. Particular attention should be given to Chinese manufacturer BYD, which continues to strengthen its presence in European markets. During the first four months of 2026, the brand registered 286 vehicles, highlighting growing consumer interest in modern electric and hybrid technologies.
New Car Market: Kia Retains First Place
In the new passenger car segment, 4,800 vehicles were registered, of which 4,371 were private vehicles. Kia remained the leading brand among new car registrations with 554 units. The brand successfully combines competitive pricing, modern technology, and extensive warranty programs, which positively influences demand.
It was followed by Nissan with 460 registrations, Toyota with 328, Volkswagen with 324, and Hyundai with 311 vehicles. Other popular new car brands included BMW with 287 registrations, BYD with 286, Mercedes with 218, Renault with 172, and Jeep with 156 vehicles.
Used Cars: Toyota Confidently Outpaces Competitors
The used car segment remains the largest part of the market. During the first four months of 2026, a total of 9,459 used passenger cars were registered, of which 8,495 belonged to private owners.
Toyota ranked first by a wide margin with 2,809 registrations. Strong demand is attributed to the brand’s reliability, affordable maintenance costs, and excellent resale value. Mazda held second place with 1,607 registrations. It was followed by Nissan with 738 vehicles, BMW with 627, and Mercedes with 587.
The ten most popular brands in the used car market also included Honda with 506 registrations, Audi with 182, Lexus with 166, Suzuki with 159, and Volvo with 150 vehicles.
What Lies Ahead for the Automotive Market
Current figures show that the Cyprus automotive market is undergoing an active transformation. Buyers are increasingly embracing hybrid technologies, while interest in electric vehicles is gradually growing thanks to infrastructure development and expanding model ranges from manufacturers.
If current trends continue, hybrid vehicles are likely to strengthen their leadership even further by the end of 2026, while the share of gasoline and diesel vehicles will continue to decline. Meanwhile, the used car segment is expected to remain the largest part of the market, providing affordable options for the majority of buyers.
A wide selection of vehicles is available on the DOMCar portal.
Photos: pixabay.com, DOM
