Car sales rose last year on corporate demand, but not as fast as in 2014
The car sales market in Greece saw growth last year, though not to the extent of that posted that in 2014 compared with 2013, according to figures released on Tuesday by the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT).
The sector continued to lose companies and jobs, despite the increase in sales, which was largely due to corporate purchases in the tourism sector and the continued incentive for old vehicle withdrawals: The majority of non-corporate vehicles were purchased to replace older vehicles that were taken off the country’s roads.
ELSTAT’s figures showed that 116,168 vehicles came onto Greek roads for the first time in 2015, against 102,359 in 2014, posting an annual rise of 13.5 percent. That followed growth of 30.2 percent in 2014, with the slowdown attributed mainly to the imposition of the capital controls in late June.
The Association of Car Importers-Representatives (SEAA) noted that the increase in 2015 was due to the rise in sales to car rental companies and business groups.
Even with the progress of the last couple of years the market remains 71.8 percent below the average of the 2000-09 decade.
