Government measures are expected to depress new car sales in Hungary this year following a fall in 2006 volume.


New car and sports utility vehicle sales fell by 5.6% to 187,842 units in 2006 and are seen falling to 170,000 in 2007, Gabor Gyozo, managing director of the Hungarian Association of Vehicle Importers, told Reuters.


“People just don’t have money,” Gyozo reportedly said, adding: The government’s austerity will hold back demand for new cars because people either don’t have the cash or, if they do, they’ll be more careful in spending and try to save up in anticipation of worsening living standards.”


The report noted that the government introduced tax and price hikes last year to curb government spending and reduce the budget deficit, which totalled around 10% of gross domestic product in 2006.


Those measures are expected to reduce household consumption by 0.7% in 2007 and new car sales are among the first indicators that the restrictive measures are hitting consumption, Reuters said.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.