Hungary's used‑car market hits record as Romania's auto sector cuts jobs

The Hungarian used‑car market saw a record 491,300 passenger cars change owners in the first half of 2026, a 5.8 % rise over the same period last year and on track to challenge the near‑922,000 annual peak. Monthly sales reached 85,200, the second‑highest ever, helped by a domestic vehicle fleet of 4.4 million and a 22.4 % increase in imported used cars. Volkswagen reclaimed the top brand position, overtaking Opel with 49,600 transfers.

In Romania, the automotive sector is shedding jobs at a rapid pace, losing about 1,200 positions each month – more than 18,000 jobs over the past 16 months. The workforce fell to 132,800, the lowest level since 2012, and could dip below 130,000 by year‑end. The decline is linked to reduced production, weaker orders from Germany, rising labor and energy costs, and competition from lower‑cost manufacturers. Annual vehicle output may also drop below 500,000 units.