Report on the Automotive Industry in Serbia
Electrification and Workforce Development as Priorities
Belgrade, February 6, 2024 – The Serbian Association of Vehicle and Parts Importers held its annual conference at the Sava Center, presenting trends in the automotive industry, market analysis of cars and motorcycles in Serbia, and the Association’s goals for the coming period.
In 2024, the Serbian market for new passenger vehicles recorded a 10% increase in sales, while the market for new light commercial vehicles grew by 18%, marking the best result in the past five years. This progress is a positive signal, especially in light of the global challenges facing the automotive industry. On the other hand, the domestic market will need to align its operations with global trends of accelerated electrification and the integration of advanced technologies. The priority for the ecosystem will be to continue proactive efforts in this area, primarily by discouraging the import of high-emission vehicles and encouraging the introduction of electric models.
The importance of addressing the Green Agenda and electrification was emphasized by the Association’s Secretary-General, Boris Ćorović:
"Although there is a noticeable increase in new vehicle sales, the import of used vehicles with Euro 3 and Euro 4 engines, which have been identified as the biggest polluters in 2024, is twice as high as the sale of new cars. This trend undermines the positive effects of subsidies for purchasing electric and hybrid vehicles, and this is an issue to which the Association will pay special attention," he stressed.
Boris also shared insights on the best-selling brands and models:
"In Serbia, 27,862 new cars were sold last year. The best-selling brands were Škoda, Toyota, and Volkswagen, while the top-selling models were Škoda Octavia, Škoda Kamiq, and Toyota Yaris Cross." Regarding light commercial vehicles, 6,168 new units were sold, with the best sellers being the Citroën C3 Van, Fiat Ducato, and Škoda Fabia Van.
The Serbian market for motorcycles, scooters, and ATV vehicles has also seen positive results. Jelena Janićijević, a member of the Association’s Board of Directors, highlighted that this market in Serbia has grown by over 15%, reaching the levels of Slovenia and Croatia, with the potential to become the most dominant in the region this year. This progress indicates the increasing popularity of two-wheelers and ATV vehicles among domestic consumers, further contributing to the overall development of the auto-moto industry in the country.
Speaking about shared goals, Aleksandra Đurđević, President of the Association, emphasized workforce development:
"The automotive industry in the European Union employs as many as 13.2 million people, making it a significant pillar of the economy. In Serbia, representatives of major global brands and dealership networks employ thousands of people. They have access to the latest technologies, knowledge, opportunities to visit headquarters abroad, exchange best practices, and receive training. Our task is to introduce young people and professionals to these opportunities offered by our companies. A great example is working in a service center—today, this job means a promising career in a modern environment, working with innovative technologies and robotic solutions. We want to continue increasing the visibility of these professions and the opportunities they offer through various programs, such as Dual Education," concluded Aleksandra Đurđević, President of the Serbian Association of Vehicle and Parts Importers.
The participants also announced the International Auto Show and Motopassion event, which will take place from March 20 to 26, showcasing the most advanced technologies in the auto and motorcycle industry and the latest models from various brands.
Photos: Anđelko Vasiljević
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