Hungary’s used-car market extended its growth streak in May, supported by a stronger forint that has encouraged both domestic transactions and vehicle imports from abroad, according to data compiled by DataHouse and cited by vehicle listings platform JoAutok.hu.
Around 84,200 used passenger cars changed hands in Hungary during May, representing a 6.8% increase compared with the same month last year. For the first five months of 2026, used-car sales rose 4.9% year-on-year to 407,500 units.
Imports reach seven-year high
Between January and May, Hungary registered 61,100 imported used cars, an increase of 18.5% compared with the same period of 2025. May alone saw more than 12,300 imported vehicles enter the market, marking the fourth consecutive month in which imports exceeded 12,000 units, a level not seen in seven years.
Industry analysts attribute much of the increase to the appreciation of the Hungarian currency against the euro. The stronger forint has reduced acquisition costs for vehicles sourced from Western European markets, improving margins for importers and making foreign cars more competitive in the domestic market.
The trend has raised expectations that annual used-car imports could approach 150,000 vehicles in 2026 if current market conditions persist. By comparison, Hungary imported approximately 128,000 used vehicles during 2025.
