According to data compiled by the Association of Car Importers in Lebanon, the number of newly registered car sales stood at 35,477 in 2012, rising by 9.3% from a total of 32,455 cars sold in 2011, noting that 92% of newly registered cars consist of those of smaller sizes. During the month of December 2012, newly registered cars totaled 3,428, against 2,743 in December 2011.
Korea’s Kia ranked first in terms of new car registration during 2012 with a total of 9,484 cars, against a total of 8,305 during 2011. It was followed by Korea’s Hyundai with a total of 6,507 newly registered cars in 2012, higher than the total of 5,341 cars registered in 2011.
Japan’s Nissan came third with 5,811 newly registered cars in 2012, against 5,840 cars recorded in 2011. Fourth was Japan’s Toyota with 1,861 newly registered cars in 2012, compared with a total of 1,425 cars recorded in 2011. The United States’ Chevrolet ranked fifth with 1,491 newly registered cars in 2012, versus a total of 1,440 cars posted in 2011.
A breakdown by continent shows that 15,993 newly registered cars came from Korea in 2012, up by 17.1% from 13,654 cars recorded in 2011. Those from Japan amounted to 9,560 cars in 2012, against 9,595 cars in 2011. They were followed by European cars with a total of 7,216 vehicles in 2012, up by 4.9% from 6,876 cars recorded in 2011. Then came those from the US with 2,242 vehicles in 2012, up by 7.8% from the total of 2,079 cars recorded in 2011.
Association of Car Importers in Lebanon, Bank Audi's Group Research Department
21 January
