Vehicle registrations in Cyprus climbed to 43,890 in the January-September 2026 period, marking a 9.1% increase year on year, according to the Statistical Service of Cyprus (Cystat). The data underline a market that remains on an upward trajectory, even as September itself posted a modest decline.
September Slips, But The Broader Trend Remains Positive
In September, total vehicle registrations fell 3.9% to 5,326, down from 5,544 in the same month a year earlier. Passenger saloon car registrations also eased, slipping 2.5% to 4,254 from 4,364.
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That monthly dip did little to alter the broader nine-month picture. Compared with the 40,212 registrations recorded in the same period of 2025, the market added 3,678 more vehicles this year.
Hybrids Strengthen Their Lead
The most striking shift in the market was the continued rise of hybrid vehicles. Their share of passenger saloon car registrations increased to 53%, up from 44% in the corresponding nine-month period of 2025, a gain of nine percentage points.
By contrast, petrol-powered saloon cars lost ground, falling to 34.8% from 42.8%. Diesel vehicles slipped to 8% from 8.5%, while electric vehicles edged down to 4.2% from 4.7%.
In total, passenger saloon car registrations rose 9% over the nine months to 34,156, compared with 31,325 a year earlier. Of these, 10,521 were new vehicles, representing 30.8% of the total, while 23,635 were used, accounting for 69.2%.
Rental Cars Move In The Opposite Direction
Not all segments shared in the growth. Registrations of rental cars declined sharply by 17.1% to 3,780 from 4,559 in the same period of 2025.
That divergence suggests a market still being shaped by changing consumer preferences, fleet decisions and broader cost considerations, with hybrids increasingly emerging as the default choice for many buyers.
Commercial Vehicles And Buses Post Gains
Bus registrations rose to 196 from 132 in the corresponding period last year, reflecting a notable increase in demand.
Commercial vehicle registrations also advanced, increasing 10.4% to 5,046 from 4,569. The breakdown shows:
- Light goods vehicles up 8.8% to 3,970 registrations
- Road tractors up 14.7% to 195
- Heavy goods vehicles up 16.3% to 621
- Rental goods vehicles up 20.9% to 260
Motorcycles Continue To Grow
Registrations of motorcycles above 50cc rose 8% to 3,802 from 3,522 a year earlier. In contrast, mopeds below 50cc fell to 109 from 170.
The latest figures point to a transportation market that is expanding overall, but also evolving rapidly. Hybrids have moved from a growing segment to a dominant one, while petrol and diesel continue to lose share as Cyprus’ vehicle fleet gradually shifts toward cleaner and more efficient alternatives.
