After a first quarter marked by uncertainty and declining figures, the Romanian automotive market seems to be showing the first signs of thawing. According to the latest data published by the Romanian Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACAROM), April 2026 brought a slight, but symbolic, increase in new car sales.
However, the enthusiasm is tempered by the balance of the first four months of the year, which remains "in the red" compared to the performance of 2025.
In April, Romanians purchased 10,205 new cars, an increase of 2.09% compared to the same month last year. This development suggests a stabilization of demand, despite the current economic challenges.
However, the overall picture for 2026 remains challenging. In the period January-April, the total volume of new car registrations reached 37,480 units, marking a severe decrease of 13.3% compared to the first four months of 2025.
As every year, Dacia maintains its position as the undisputed leader of the local market, managing to sell almost double the number of cars in second place. An interesting trend is the rise of Asian brands, but also the entry of the Chinese brand Chery into the top of Romanians' preferences.
| Rank | Car Brand | Units Sold (Jan - Apr 2026) |
| 1 | Dacia | 6,694 |
| 2 | Toyota | 3,662 |
| 3 | Skoda | 3,320 |
| 4 | Volkswagen | 3,175 |
| 5 | Renault | 1,659 |
| 6 | Hyundai | 1,633 |
| 7 | Mercedes-Benz | 1,610 |
| 8 | Ford | 1,586 |
| 9 | BMW | 1,535 |
| 10 | Chery | 1,226 |
The presence of the Chery brand in 10th place confirms a change in market dynamics, where new players in the affordable or electric car segment are starting to gain ground over traditional brands.
If the new car market saw a small ray of sunshine in April, the second-hand vehicle sector is going through a much more visible period of contraction.
This trend can be attributed to higher maintenance costs for older vehicles, but also to stricter tax policies on pollution, which are causing buyers to be much more cautious.
The Romanian auto market in 2026 is in a moment of reconfiguration. Although the 2% growth in April is a positive sign, the recovery of the 13% deficit from the beginning of the year will largely depend on stimulus programs (such as Rabla) and the stability of lending rates for the rest of the year.
For now, Romanians seem to prioritize brands that offer a good ratio between technology and price, consolidating Toyota's position and opening the doors for new global manufacturers.