Motor vehicle sales plunge

Total registrations of motor vehicles during the first six months of 2005 decreased by 5.0% to 25.486 from 26.829 vehicles in the same period of 2004, the Statistical Service announced.

Private saloon cars decreased to 19.326 from 20.649 in January–June 2004, i.e. there was a decrease of 6.4%. Of the total private saloon cars, 9.095 vehicles or 47.1% were new and 10.231 vehicles or 52.9% were used vehicles.

Goods conveyance vehicles decreased by 9.7% to 2.211 in 2005, compared to 2.449 in 2004. Light goods vehicles decreased by 4.4% to 1.765, from 1.846 in 2004. Heavy goods vehicles decreased by 26% to 446 in January-June 2005, from 603 in 2004.

Mechanised cycles decreased by 1.9% to 2.210 in 2005, compared to 2.253 in January-June 2004.