Sudden slowdown in the Romanian auto market - 28% drop in July and a spectacular jump in Chinese brands
The new vehicle market in Romania has experienced a sharp cooling in the middle of summer. According to the latest data provided by the General Directorate for Driving Licenses and Registrations (DGCPI), July 2026 brought a severe 28.38% decline in new car registrations compared to the same period last year.
If in July 2025 Romanians registered 16,362 new cars, in the seventh month of 2026 the volume dropped to 11,719 units.
July's scoreboard: Dacia dominates, the Chinese rewrite the rules of the game
With no major surprises at the top of the ranking, Dacia maintains its undisputed leading position on the local market, with 3,286 registered units in July. The podium is completed by Toyota and Volkswagen, manufacturers that continue to have a solid presence in the preferences of Romanian drivers.
The biggest surprise of the month, however, comes from Asia. Chinese electric and hybrid vehicle manufacturer BYD achieved a remarkable performance:
- 5th place in the overall ranking: With 672 units registered in a single month, BYD surpassed traditional brands with a long history on the Romanian automotive market, such as Mercedes-Benz, Renault or Ford.
- Chery's advance: Another Chinese manufacturer, Chery, recorded 341 units, overtaking well-established brands such as Hyundai and Suzuki.
Notable performance: BYD's entry into the top 5 brands of July confirms a profound structural change in the purchasing behavior of Romanians, attracted by the competitive prices and advanced technology features offered by new players from China.
Balance sheet for the first 7 months of 2026
Overall, the market performance between January and July 2026 shows a more moderate moderation than the one-off decline in July.
| Period | New passenger car registrations | Change % |
| July 2025 vs. July 2026 | 16,362 ? 11,719 | -28.38% |
| Jan–Jul 2025 vs. Jan–Jul 2026 | 80,728 ? 76,401 | -5.36% |
In total, 76,401 new cars were registered in the first seven months of the year, 5.36% fewer than in the same period in 2025.
The cumulative top after 7 months remains firmly led by Dacia, with 14,971 units, followed on the podium by Toyota and Skoda.
The main trends of the Romanian automotive market
The July decline and the brand-by-brand evolution offer some clear indications about the direction the Romanian automotive industry is heading:
1. Reconfiguring the competitive horizon (China Effect)
The rise of BYD and Chery is no longer an isolated phenomenon, but a clear trend. Chinese manufacturers are rapidly gaining market share at the expense of European and Japanese volume brands, taking advantage of the very attractive price-to-equipment ratio, especially in electrified segments.
2. Economic prudence and seasonality
The decline of over 28% in July indicates a moderation in demand, influenced by economic uncertainties, still high credit rates and a possible rearrangement of financing stages through stimulus programs (Rabla / Rabla Plus).
3. Loyalty for hybrids and the national brand
Dacia continues to be the safe option for the Romanian buyer, covering approximately one fifth of the total market. In parallel, Toyota's maintenance of second place on an annual basis shows the market's constant appetite for classic hybrid technologies, recognized for their low consumption and reliability.
