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Robust Growth in Cyprus Vehicle Registrations Signals Shift Toward Sustainable Mobility

The Cyprus Statistical Service has reported a strong upward trend in vehicle registrations for the January–October 2025 period. Total registrations reached 44,732 units—up from 42,930 in the corresponding period of 2024—marking an annual increase of 4.2%.

October Surge Highlights Market Dynamism

In October 2025 alone, motor vehicle registrations climbed to 4,520, a 9.9% rise compared to October 2024 (4,111). Notably, new passenger cars experienced an 11.7% increase, with 3,457 units registered compared to 3,096 during the same month last year.

Passenger Cars: 4% Growth Amid the Rise of Hybrids

Over the ten months, registrations of passenger cars increased by 4.0%, reaching 34,782 units from 33,440 in 2024. Of these vehicles, 12,954 (37.2%) were new entries while 21,828 (62.8%) were pre-owned. Meanwhile, rental vehicles surged by 33.8%, totaling 4,866 units.

Transition Toward Cleaner Technologies

The data reveals a significant shift in consumer preferences. The market share of gasoline-powered vehicles declined to 42.5% from 49.5%, while diesel-powered units decreased to 8.6% from 10%. Conversely, hybrid registrations escalated to 44.1% from 36.7%, and electric vehicles rose to 4.8% from 3.8%. This transformation underscores a move toward sustainable transportation practices in Cyprus.

Growth in Commercial Vehicle Segments

Registrations of trucks increased by 6.6% over the same period, reaching 5,142 units compared to 4,823 last year. An analysis by category shows that light trucks accounted for a 6.6% increase (4,111 units), heavy trucks grew by 3.1% (594 units), rental trucks jumped 23.3% (238 units), while trailers remained steady (199 units). Additionally, bus registrations experienced an uptick, climbing to 167 units from 125 the previous year.

Motorcycle and Moped Registrations: Diverging Trends

Registrations for motorcycles exceeding 50cc surged by 17%, reaching 3,916 units compared to 3,348 last year. In contrast, moped registrations below 50cc declined significantly from 627 to 190 units.

Conclusion: A Market in Transition

Overall, the upward trajectory in new vehicle registrations, coupled with the notable rise in hybrid and electric vehicle uptake, confirms that the Cypriot automotive market remains robust. These trends signal a strategic pivot toward more sustainable transportation solutions, even as the broader economic landscape presents ongoing challenges. For further insights on the shift to advanced mobility technologies, visit the Electromobility coverage.

EU Investigates Booking.com Over Fake Listings And Advertising Transparency

The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation into whether Booking.com complied with the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), focusing on fraudulent property listings, phishing scams and the transparency of paid search results.

Regulators will assess whether the platform adequately identified and mitigated consumer risks, including financial losses caused by fake accommodation offers and deceptive messages.

Fake Listings And Consumer Protection

As part of the investigation, the Commission will examine whether Booking.com took sufficient steps to address listings for non-existent properties, impersonation fraud and accommodation offers that may not meet applicable requirements. It will also assess the platform’s safeguards for removing fraudulent or non-compliant listings.

Phishing Risks And Guest Data

Another area of scrutiny concerns the risks associated with sharing reservation and guest data with accommodation providers, as well as the design of Booking.com’s messaging tools.

Weak safeguards could allow scammers to exploit these channels to obtain personal information or trick customers into making fraudulent payments.

Paid Search Results Under Scrutiny

A further focus is whether Booking.com clearly identifies paid-for search results. Accommodation providers can pay higher commissions to improve their rankings, but EU rules require users to recognise advertisements and understand who paid for them, why they are being shown and how advertising preferences can be adjusted.

Potential DSA Violations

If confirmed, the suspected failures could breach Articles 34 and 35 of the DSA, which require very large online platforms to assess and mitigate systemic risks. The investigation may also concern Article 26(1), which sets out transparency requirements for online advertising.

According to the Commission, the investigation will be treated as a priority. Possible next steps include requests for further information, interviews and inspections. The Commission may also impose interim measures, issue a non-compliance decision or accept commitments from Booking.com.

Opening proceedings does not prejudge the outcome. However, during the investigation, the Commission will directly supervise the suspected advertising-transparency issue under Article 26(1), rather than leaving it to national authorities.

Wider Implications For Online Marketplaces

The investigation follows the Commission’s review of Booking.com’s risk assessment and transparency reports, alongside its responses to formal information requests issued on September 23, 2025, and May 26, 2026. The Commission is working with the Dutch Authority for Consumers and Markets, the country’s Digital Services Coordinator.

Booking.com was designated a Very Large Online Platform under EU law on April 25, 2023. The case will test whether the company’s safeguards for consumer protection, security and advertising transparency meet the requirements imposed on major online platforms.

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