Cyprus' automotive market continues to grow rapidly while undergoing a significant transformation. During the first half of 2026, the number of registered vehicles increased by 13.2% compared to the same period last year. At the same time, the most notable trend was the rapid rise in the popularity of hybrid vehicles, which for the first time accounted for more than half of all new passenger car registrations.
The figures were published by the Statistical Service of Cyprus. Experts note that consumers are increasingly influenced by rising fuel prices, government incentives for environmentally friendly transport, and the continued expansion of electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Hybrid vehicles become the market leaders
Between January and June 2026, a total of 29,367 vehicles were registered in Cyprus, compared to 25,954 during the same period a year earlier. Passenger car registrations increased by 13%, rising from 20,004 to 22,597 vehicles. The most significant change was in the market structure. While hybrid vehicles accounted for 43% of the passenger car market in the first half of 2025, their share has now surged to 51.7%. This means that every second passenger car registered on the island is now equipped with a hybrid powertrain.
Demand for fully electric vehicles also continues to grow. Their market share increased from 4.8% to 4.9%. Although the increase remains modest, the number of electric vehicles on Cyprus' roads continues to rise steadily. This is supported by the expansion of the public charging network and the arrival of more affordable models, including those produced by Chinese manufacturers.
At the same time, conventional combustion-engine vehicles continue to lose market share. Petrol-powered passenger cars declined from 43.6% to 35.2%, while diesel vehicles fell from 8.6% to 8.2%. This trend closely reflects developments across Europe, where hybrid vehicles are increasingly serving as a transitional step toward full electrification.
Most buyers still prefer used cars
Despite the market's growth, Cyprus residents continue to favor used vehicles. Of the 22,597 passenger cars registered during the first half of the year, 7,245 were new, representing 32.1%, while 15,352 vehicles, or 67.9%, were used imports.
This is largely due to the high cost of new vehicles and the sustained demand for imported used cars from Europe and Japan. However, even the used car market is gradually shifting toward newer hybrid models.
June was one of the busiest months
In June 2026 alone, 5,624 vehicles were registered in Cyprus, an increase of 13.8% compared to 4,942 registrations recorded in June 2025. Passenger car registrations rose by 14.8%, reaching 4,338 vehicles compared to 3,780 a year earlier. This confirms strong demand from both private buyers and the corporate sector.
Positive growth was also recorded across other segments of the automotive market. Bus registrations increased from 78 to 111 vehicles. Registrations of commercial vehicles rose by 14.9%, from 3,055 to 3,510 units. Within this category, light commercial vehicles increased by 12.9% to 2,795 units, road tractors by 18.4% to 135, heavy trucks by 22.3% to 423, while rental commercial vehicles recorded the strongest growth, rising by 31.9% to 157 units.
Demand for motorcycles also continued to increase. Registrations of motorcycles with engines larger than 50 cc rose by 13.4%, from 2,364 to 2,681 units. Meanwhile, registrations of mopeds with engines below 50 cc declined from 112 to 77.
The market will continue its shift toward greener transport
Experts expect the trend to continue throughout the second half of 2026. The number of public charging stations in Cyprus is steadily increasing, the government continues to discuss additional incentives for electric vehicle owners, and manufacturers are expanding their range of hybrid models in the mid-price segment.
Against the backdrop of stricter environmental regulations across Europe and growing consumer demand for more economical vehicles, hybrid technology is expected to remain the main driver of Cyprus' automotive market in the coming years, gradually preparing the country for a broader transition to fully electric transportation.
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