In ascending classifications new passengers by 58% in March compared to March 2022 resulted in faster arrivals in Greece than originally expected cars which was ordered in the previous period. This phenomenon is actually observed throughout the first quarter of 2023, with the result that the registration of new passenger cars registers an increase of 50.6% compared to the first quarter of 2022.

This, of course, in no way means, as the car market players point out speaking with “Kathimerini”that problems with delivery of orders are eliminated. The backlog of orders remains on average for half a year, without missing companies where all models are ready for delivery, companies that can deliver half of the models without delay, others that have a wait of 2-3 months, and others where the wait is more than half a year. Delays in the delivery of orders, delays due to interruptions in the work of components and car assembly plants, mainly in China, have caused significant delays in the replacement of cars of long-term and short-term rental companies (our famous car rental).

However, in addition to speeding up the delivery of orders, there has been an increase in attendance at car dealerships, some of which leads to new sales. After all, shortened order delivery times are expected to provide additional incentive to potential buyers, with some of them already making a purchase fearing a further increase in car loan interest rates.

According to data released yesterday by the Hellenic Statistical Office (ELSTAT), in March 2023, 22,682 cars (new or used foreign cars) were produced for the first time compared to 17,661 produced in March 2022, showing an increase of 28.4%. According to the Association of Importers of Automobile Dealers (St.SEAA), in March 2023, the number of new passenger car registrations reached 13,286, which is 58% more than in March 2022. In general, in the first quarter of 2023, the number of new passenger car registrations increased compared to the same period last year by 50.6%, to 33,774 from 22,427 last year. year.

What consumers in Greece can “afford” to buy are small and medium sized cars, from city cars to small family cars, which account for 92.3% of total new passenger car registrations in the first quarter of 2023, of which 56.6 % is essentially a “super mini” category.

Interestingly, after a long time, the share of diesels increased to 16.6% from 15.3% last year, while pure electric vehicles made the largest increase in share: the market share in the first quarter of 2023 reached 9.3% from 7. 9% in the first quarter. 2022.