Chinese electric cars increasingly sought after by Romanians: "If you don't see one on the street, you're probably living under a rock"

Chinese electric and hybrid car brands are increasingly sought after by Romanian consumers, with BYD and Chery making significant inroads into the market. In May 2026, electrified vehicles, including pure electric, plug-in hybrid, full hybrid, and mild hybrid models, collectively represented 68.5% of the Romanian auto market. This figure surpasses the combined share of gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles, according to the Association of Automobile Producers and Importers in Romania (APIA).

Dan Vardie, president of APIA, noted that May marked the third consecutive month of growth in new car registrations, indicating a market recovery. However, the market is still down approximately 10% for the first five months of the year. Vardie highlighted the accelerating electrification process as a key factor, stating, "Electrified vehicles have reached a market share of 68.5%, supported by significant increases in the full hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and pure electric segments, confirming consumers' clearer orientation towards low-emission technologies."

While the passenger car market shows positive signs, the commercial vehicle sector indicates economic caution. A 16% decrease in light commercial vehicles and minibuses suggests companies are hesitant about investments, whereas the heavy vehicle and bus segments remain relatively stable. Vardie added that future market evolution will depend on the predictability of economic and fiscal measures and the timely launch of programs for vehicle fleet renewal and electrification.

In May 2026, new car registrations increased by 7% compared to the previous year, reaching 11,136 units. Mild hybrid vehicles held a 26% market share, full hybrids 23%, plug-in hybrids 12%, and pure electric models 7%. Gasoline-powered cars accounted for 25.9% of the market, and diesel models 5.6%. The pure electric segment saw an 88% year-on-year increase in May, while plug-in hybrids grew by 113%, and full hybrids by 37%.

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Electrified vehicles have reached a market share of 68.5%, supported by significant increases in the full hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and pure electric segments, confirming consumers' clearer orientation towards low-emission technologies.