In January 2026, the vehicle market in Cyprus demonstrated confident growth, confirming the trend of gradual fleet renewal and a shift in driver interest toward more environmentally friendly technologies. According to data from the Statistical Service, the total number of vehicle registrations reached 4,350, whereas in January 2025 this figure was 4,077. Thus, year-on-year growth amounted to 6.7%, indicating stable demand amid changes in transport policy and fuel prices.
Passenger cars: moderate growth and dominance of the secondary market
The main share of registrations continues to be formed by passenger cars. In January 2026, 3,317 passenger sedans were registered, which is 4.5% more compared to 3,173 a year earlier. At the same time, the market structure remains characteristic of Cyprus: out of the total number of passenger cars, 1,294 or 39% were new, while 2,023 vehicles or 61% belonged to the used category. This reflects a cautious approach by buyers, who are increasingly choosing quality used cars amid rising prices for new models.
A separate decline is noted in the rental car segment. In January, 159 were registered, which represents a decrease of 22.8% compared to the same period last year. Experts link this to rental companies reviewing their fleets and expectations regarding the tourist season.
Fuel preferences: gasoline loses ground
One of the key trends at the beginning of 2026 was the further reduction in the share of gasoline cars. In January, their proportion among passenger vehicles decreased to 35.8%, whereas in January 2025 it stood at 42.5%. This noticeable change reflects both rising fuel prices and increased interest in alternative powertrains.
Against this background, other categories continue to gradually strengthen. The share of diesel cars increased from 8.1% to 8.4%. More pronounced growth was recorded in the electric vehicle segment, where the figure rose from 5.6% in 2025 to 6.9% in 2026. The hybrid vehicle category is growing especially actively, with its share increasing from 43.8% to 48.8%. This confirms that hybrids remain the most popular compromise between efficiency, environmental friendliness, and familiar infrastructure.
Commercial transport and buses: noticeable revival
Positive dynamics are also observed in the commercial transport segment. In January 2026, 562 trucks were registered, whereas a year earlier there were 480. Growth amounted to 17.1%, indicating revival in construction, logistics, and small business.
The number of heavy trucks grew particularly sharply, with registrations increasing by 43.8% and reaching 69 units. The number of road tractors increased by 18.8% to 19, and registrations of light trucks rose by 16% to 471. At the same time, the rental truck segment decreased by 70%, to three units.
Bus registrations also showed growth. In January 2026, 23 buses were registered, whereas in January 2025 their number was only 7. This jump may be associated with the renewal of municipal and tourist fleets.
Motorcycles and mopeds: interest shifts toward more powerful models
In the two-wheeled segment, the picture turned out to be mixed. Registrations of mopeds with engine capacity up to 50 m3 decreased to 6 in January 2026 compared to 22 a year earlier, indicating reduced interest in this type of transport. At the same time, the market for motorcycles with engine capacity over 50 m3 continued to grow. In January 2026, 387 such motorcycles were registered, which is 13.5% more compared to 341 in January 2025.
Overall market picture and outlook
Data for January 2026 show that the Cyprus car market is gradually adapting to new economic and environmental realities. Growth in the share of hybrid and electric vehicles, an increase in the number of commercial transport, and renewal of the bus fleet indicate structural changes that, according to analysts’ forecasts, will intensify during the year. Against the background of EU-level measures being discussed to reduce emissions and develop charging infrastructure, these trends may become even more pronounced in the coming months.
Photos: pixabay.com, DOM
