Israel's car market is still in overdrive. 39,547 vehicles were delivered in January-February 2008, 32% more than during the corresponding period in 2007, which was a strong year as well, according to the Israel Motor Vehicles Importers Association, on the basis of Motor Vehicle Department reports. 18,849 vehicles were delivered in February, 39% more than in February last year.
Mazda was again number one, with 7,659 deliveries in January-February, 66% more than in the corresponding period. Toyota was in second place, with 4,351 deliveries in January-February, 4% fewer than in the corresponding period. Hyundai was in third place, with 3,686 deliveries, up 1.7%; followed by Chevolet with 3,075 deliveries, up 68%; Honda, with 3,054 deliveries, up 104%; and Ford, with 2,272 deliveries, down 7.7%. Honda sold more than 2,000 cars in February, an all-time high for the brand in Israel.
Kia Motors, under its new Israeli franchisee, Talcar Motors Ltd., had the greatest increase in sales, with 410 deliveries in January-February, 298% more than in the corresponding period.
Industry sources noted, however, that most car deliveries were still to vehicle fleets and that deliveries to private customers were slowing, apparently due to concerns of an economic slowdown and the situation on the stock market. The same factors apply to the luxury car market.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on March 4, 2008
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