With the launch of a wave of new medium-class cars, the segment is expected to spark renewed attention from buyers, after a hiatus caused interest in such vehicles to dwindle.
In the first nine months of this year, medium-class car sales advanced by 25% against the same period last year. Imports increased by 52.4%, while the overall market advanced by around 24%.
The best-selling medium-class model remained the VW Passat, even after Ford launched its new Mondeo. In the first nine months, Passat sales reached 3,899 units, up 11.1% against the same period last year, followed by Toyota Avensis with 1,288 units, while the Mondeo registered 1,639 units, up 125.4%.
After Ford, Audi is set to launch the new A4 generation later this year, with sales expected to reach 1,000 units in 2008, whilst the new Mazda6 will follow in December.
"(...) It is most likely that the Mondeo will not become a leader on the medium-class segment, because deliveries are not in line with market demand, but it will certainly gain the second position in terms of sales," stated Catalin Gavra, general manager at Romcar, Ford's domestic representatives.
The new Mazda6 will become available on the domestic market from December, while the first orders are expected this month.
"As yet, prices have not been set. In any case, Mazda wants to secure a competitive edge against rival models, such as the Toyota Avensis, VW Passat and Ford Mondeo," stated Cristian Rigu, Country Manager at Mazda Romania. According to Mazda representatives, the delivery time for the new model will range between one and two months.
"In 2008 and 2009, sales are forecast to reach 350 units. Nevertheless, considering Mazda's domestic growth, this volume could increase to 400 units annually," said Rigu.
At the start of June, Renault presented the third generation Laguna model (executive medium-class range). In Romania, the model will be available for sale in the first quarter of 2008, when the first orders will be taken.
The new Laguna is part of Renault's "Contract 2009" plan, through which the company's officials want to strengthen the brand's position on the market. The new generation will be available, as soon as it is launched in two versions.
Citro?n will launch its new C5 model on the domestic market in the third quarter of next year, while the medium-class model will directly compete with the third generation Renault Laguna and the new Ford Mondeo.
Prices for the new model will be released for the West-European market in the coming months, and most likely next summer in Romania.
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