SHOP NOW cars and light vehicles in Serbia went through a phase of recovery, stabilization and re-acceleration of growth in the period from 2022 to 2024, which is clearly reflected in the income of companies operating in this industry. After pandemic disruptions and problems in global supply chains, the sector has already recorded strong nominal growth in 2022, primarily thanks to growth dinner and delayed demand, writes the portal Biznis.rs.
In that year, the turnover in the trade of motor vehicles increased significantly, which directly affected the growth of the company's income. This jump, however, was not solely due to higher sales volumes, but also to inflation and price increases, both new and used cars. The market practically "took off" after the pandemic, but with pronounced price pressures.
The highest revenue in 2022 was achieved by Star Import doo from Belgrade, with 23 billion dinars (23.000.586.000) and with a profit of slightly more than one billion dinars (1.040.737.000). A year later, the profit reached 1,2 billion dinars, only to drop to 925 million dinars in 2024. Star Import operates within the Emil Frey company and is the general distributor of the Daimler company for Mercedes-Benz, smart, Setra and Fuso vehicles for Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Albania.
Photo: Milovan MilenkovićMore and more cars on the market today
Dominant role of used cars
Next on the list, according to data from the rating agency CompanyWall, is the company Auto Čačak, a general importer of Škoda cars and spare parts for Serbia and Montenegro. Their income was 13,7 billion dinars (13.747.424.000), and their profit was 1,2 billion dinars (1.228.920.000). Two years later, the profit increased to 1,8 billion dinars.
In 2023, there will be stabilization of the market, but also an increase in sales of new cars in the world. The total income of vehicle sellers is growing compared to the previous year, and the used car market is in a slight decline. There is also an increase in the price of cars, but there is still a problem in the supply chains, which is reflected in the waiting of customers for the delivery of vehicles of several months.
What prevents the growth of sales of new cars in Serbia today, but also in the period we are observing, is the dominant role of used cars, which make up a many times larger part of the total traffic compared to new vehicles. This is precisely why the largest part of the revenue in the sector is generated by companies dealing with the import and distribution of used vehicles, as well as large systems that cover both segments.
During 2024, the sector accelerates again, although there is also an increase in inflation. An increase in vehicle prices means that companies' incomes increase without a proportional increase in the number of cars sold. This is particularly evident in the case of used vehicles, where prices have fluctuated significantly in previous years.
A total of 1.331 companies were registered in this activity, and their total income in 2024 was 320 billion dinars (320.043.000.000), and the profit was 13,38 billion dinars.
Who are the leading car distributors?
The market and trade in cars in 2024 was marked by a discreet stabilization, a high level of vehicle concentration and the dominance of several large importers and distributors in Serbia, who achieved an enviable profit, albeit at the same level as a year earlier. Namely, the profit of the market leader increased, but the rest of the participants did not perform well.
The company Auto Čačak doo Konjevići had the highest profit two years ago and it amounted to 1,8 billion dinars (1.831.557.000).
Among the most important actors, Porsche SCG stands out, which is one of the largest importers and distributors of vehicles in Serbia (Volkswagen group), namely for the brands Volkswagen, Audi, SEAT, CUPRA and Porsche. This company continuously records high revenues, and the growth of the new car market in 2023 and 2024 is directly reflected in its business result.
In 2024, they achieved a profit of almost 1,3 billion dinars (1.290.972.000), which is slightly down compared to a year earlier when it amounted to slightly more than 1,4 billion dinars.
A significant role and share in car sales in Serbia is also played by Delta Motors, part of Delta Holding, which represents several brands and operates through a wide sales network, especially the BMW and Mini brands. In 2024, they achieved a profit of 1.325.338.000 dinars, which is slightly more than in 2023, when it was 1,31 billion.
Photo: Tanjug / Dejan ŽivančevićDespite the good offer of new vehicles, most buyers opt for used cars
2025 is the best year for sales
The year 2025 was marked by the best results in the last five years, with sales of new vehicles in Serbia growing by 13,8 percent compared to 2024, announced the Serbian Association of Vehicle and Parts Importers in February, at the annual conference held in the Sava Center.
The growth is continuous from year to year, and a particularly significant part of sales was made up of hybrid models, while fully electric vehicles recorded a smaller but stable shift.
However, the market structure remains a challenge – in 2025, the share of used vehicles was 83 percent, while new vehicles accounted for only 17 percent.
Of particular concern is the fact that 70 percent more Euro 3 and Euro 4 vehicles - the biggest polluters - are registered than new cars, which indicates the need for additional regulation and alignment with the goals of the transition to electro-mobility, environmental protection and general traffic safety.
An important trend shaping the trade in new vehicles in Serbia is the change in the structure of the drive: hybrid vehicles have a strong growth and make up more than a third of sales, while the share of fully electric vehicles is still low (about one percent), but gradually increasing.
For distributors, this means adjusting the portfolio, investing in market education and developing the supporting infrastructure, but also balancing between traditional (gasoline/diesel) and new technologies, which have not yet been widely accepted.
Source: Biznis.rs
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