By the end of August, Czech Republic has already imported 97,938 used vehicles this year, marking a 2.2% increase compared to the same period last year. The average age of these imports remains steady at 10.5 years, with approximately 49% of vehicles being over a decade old. Among these imports, 5,317 were used electric vehicles, according to data from the Automobile Importers Association.
Škoda tops the list of imported brands with 23,000 second-hand vehicles, followed by Volkswagen with 19,000 and Ford with 6,000. Luxury brands are also making their way into the country, with Czechs importing 96 used Ferraris, 51 Lamborghinis, and 15 Rolls-Royces.
August alone saw 11,920 cars imported—just 180 more than the same month last year—making it the second weakest August in eleven years. This represents a significant drop from July’s 13,500 imports. According to Karolína Topolová, CEO of Aures Holdings, this decline contrasts with record sales experienced by their company during summer, suggesting decreasing interest in risky foreign vehicles and increasing demand for domestically sourced cars.
Marek Knieža, director of TipCars, notes a continuing trend of buyers focusing on vehicles aged five to ten years. This category now comprises over 27% of all imports, with its share continuing to grow. Conversely, newer used cars under five years old are losing popularity, with their share dropping from 16.2% last year to 14.4% currently.
“It’s evident that people are seeking more affordable vehicles that still offer modern features and reliable technical condition,” Knieža explained. “After significant growth in spring months, interest in used electric vehicles has remained stable recently. In August, their share reached 5.7%, representing 681 registered vehicles.”
Meanwhile, new car sales in the Czech market have increased by 4.75% over the eight-month period, reaching 161,067 vehicles.