Hungary sees record surge in used‑car imports as strong forint drives demand

In June 2024 Hungary registered 14,471 imported used passenger cars, a 41.9% increase over June 2023 and the strongest monthly influx since the pre‑COVID period. The first half of 2024 recorded 75,562 used‑car imports, up 22.4% compared with the same period a year earlier.

The rebound began in mid‑2024 after the parliamentary elections and is tied to a sharp appreciation of the forint, which pushed the euro exchange rate below HUF 360, down from the usual 380‑400 range. Industry analysts at JóAutók.hu project total 2024 imports could exceed 150,000 units, surpassing the 128,000 imported in 2023.

Volkswagen remained the most popular brand among the arrivals with a 12.7% market share, followed by Ford at 8.6%, which has overtaken Opel. Audi, Toyota and Hyundai occupied the next positions.