Official figures for 2007 show a record 191,121 vehicle deliveries, excluding taxis, up 28% on 2006. The jump in sales reflects the improvement in Israel's economy, the cut in the purchase tax, and the growing strength of the car leasing companies as the threat of raising the value use on company cars recedes.
155,921 cars were delivered in 2007, 35% more than in 2006, and off-road vehicle deliveries rose 57% to 13,552.
Mazda was the most popular car sold in Israel for the 11th consecutive years, with 28,067 deliveries in 2007, 29% more than in 2006. Hyundai was in second place, with 22,558 deliveries, up 13.6%. Toyota was in third place, with 21,672 deliveries, up 12%. Ford was in fourth place, with 13,545 deliveries, up 9%. Chevrolet was in fifth place, with 10,715 deliveries, up 34%. Subaru was in sixth place, with 9,986 deliveries, up 24%. Honda had the greatest increase in deliveries, up 113% to 9,650 cars, and Daihatsu had a 89% increase to 9,713 cars.
A breakdown by importers showed that Delek Automotive Systems Ltd. (TASE: DLEA) was the largest importer, with 41.612 deliveries, up 22% on 2006, followed by Colmbobil Ltd., with 33,431 deliveries, up 16%.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on January 6, 2008
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