Middle East

Oman Cars Market lost 6.6% in the 2017, the third lost in a row, with the lowest lost within the GCC area. Fear for VAT introduction pushed up market, before implementation was postponed at 2019, for technical reasons. Nissan shines in second place.

Lebanon Cars Market in 2017 was almost positive fueled by strong demand on light commercial vehicles, albeit the country is again inside a full of risks politic crisis, after Prime Minister Hariri resignation. The market is dominated by Koreans.

Qatar Vehicles Market in 2017 reported a huge -25.6%, the worse performance within GCC area, down near 50% from the 2014 record. While the economy was recovering the Saudi-led boycott, after accuse of terrorism have reduced tourism and disrupted import.

Kuwait Auto Market in 2017 lost for the third year in a string suffering for low oil production and politically instability. The lost of 7.8% was marginally mitigated by year-end rush, before VAT introduction. Toyota is market leader ahead of Mitsubishi and Nissan.

Iraq Cars Market up 21% in the 2017 following the previous three years of sharp decline. However the new war against the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) following the independence referendum can limit the economic recovery.

Syrian Auto Sales kept falling in the 2017 with the majority of car manufacturers having given up in the vehicles distributions leaving the market at the Koreans, basically the only still active in the market. Actual market is 90% down from 2011.

Emirates vehicles market in 2017 has lost 11.3% reducing the annual lost in the Q4 when consumers have anticipated purchases, before VAT 5% introduction in January. 2018 perspectives are negative despite the strong growth of non-oil sector.

Jordan Auto Market ended the 2017 with a little 0.8% progress over the previous year thanks to the strong acceleration reported in the Q4. Three brands holds 70% of market share. HOwever while Kia in second boosted 30%, Toyota in third heavily lost.

Yemeni Cars Market recovered in the 2017, when Toyota has registered a bulk of vehicles, with the effect to end the year up 30.2% from the previous year. However the civil war has continued to intensify after reaching the 1000-day mark.

Saudi Arabia Vehicles Sales Statistics in 2017 fell 23% hit by first recession since 1999, due to reduced oil output in compliance with OPEC’s agreement and reduced government support. This albeit December was pushed up by sales anticipating VAT introduction.