The share of hybrid cars rose from 26.6% to 37.3% during the period of January-May 2024, compared to the same period of 2023, according to data published by the Statistical Service. At the same time, the share of petrol powered passenger cars dropped to 49.3%, from 60.8% in the corresponding period of 2023.

The total registrations of motor vehicles during this period increased by 22.1% to 21,881, from 17,927 in January-May 2023.

Passenger saloon cars increased to 17,176 from 14,434 in January-May 2023, recording a rise of 19%. Of the total passenger saloon cars, 7,374 or 42.9% were new and 9,802 or 57.1% were used cars. Rental cars in particular recorded a fall of 29.4% to 1,860.

The share of petrol powered passengers’ cars to the total of this category of vehicles decreased in January-May 2024 to 49.3% (from 60.8% in the corresponding period of the preceding year) and that of diesel powered cars to 10% in 2024 from 10.6% in 2023. On the other hand, the share of electric cars rose from 2.1% in 2023 to 3.4% in 2024 and of hybrid cars from 26.6% to 37.3%.

Motor coaches and buses registered in January-May 2024 decreased to 83, from 115 in the same period of 2023. Goods conveyance vehicles increased by 42.6% to 2,471 in January-May 2024, compared to 1,733 in January-May 2023. In particular, light goods vehicles increased by 46.1% to 1,955, heavy goods vehicles by 35.3% to 291, road tractors (units of trailers) by 70.4% to 92 and rental vehicles by 5.6% to 133.

Mopeds of less than 50cc registered in January-May 2024 increased to 381 compared to 61 in the corresponding period of the previous year. Motorcycles of over 50cc increased by 7.7% to 1,479 in January-May 2024, compared to 1,373 in the same period of 2023.

In May 2024, the total registrations of motor vehicles numbered 4,292, recording a decrease of 9.6% compared to 4,747 in May 2023.

Passenger saloon cars registered a decrease of 14.5% to 3,325, from 3,888 in May 2023.