Report on the Automotive Industry in Serbia, 30 Years of the Association, and a New Phase of Dialogue on Electrification

Report on the Automotive Industry in Serbia, 30 Years of the Association and a New Phase of Dialogue on Electrification

Belgrade, 12 February 2026 – The Serbian Association of Vehicle and Parts Importers held its annual conference at the Sava Center in a revised format, intended not only for the media but also for partners from various sectors important to the automotive industry – from regulatory bodies and the business community to road safety institutions and the financial sector. This year’s gathering had special significance, as the Association marks 30 years of existence.

The conference was opened by the President of the Association, Aleksandra Đurđević, who emphasized that three decades of work represent confirmation of stability and continuity, but also an obligation to respond to the challenges of a new phase in the industry’s transformation.

“Electrification remains the number one topic – both strategically and here at today’s conference. We are proud that, with excellent cooperation and support from the Serbian Chamber of Commerce, we are on the threshold of drafting a national strategy. We believe this process will contribute to creating a clearer and more stable ecosystem for the development of e-mobility – from infrastructure and incentives to greater accessibility and faster adoption of electric vehicles in our market. Electrification requires a coordinated and long-term approach,” said Đurđević.

Following the opening address, the Association’s Secretary General, Boris Ćorović, traditionally presented the latest market results.

The year 2025 delivered the best results in the past five years, with new vehicle sales in Serbia increasing by 13.8 percent compared to 2024. Growth has been continuous year after year, with hybrid models accounting for a particularly significant share of sales, while fully electric vehicles recorded a smaller but steady increase.

However, the market structure remains a challenge – in 2025, used vehicles accounted for 83 percent of the market, while new vehicles made up only 17 percent. Of particular concern is the fact that 70 percent more Euro 3 and Euro 4 category vehicles – the largest polluters – were registered than new cars, highlighting the need for additional regulation and alignment with the goals of the transition toward e-mobility, environmental protection, and overall road safety.

In the light commercial vehicle segment, 2025 brought the weakest results in the past five years, with sales declining by 15 percent compared to the previous year.

On the other hand, the two-wheeler and ATV market continues its strong upward trend – scooters and motorcycles recorded growth of 31 percent, while the ATV category achieved growth of as much as 57 percent.

Among the leading brands in 2025, in the passenger car category, Škoda ranked first, followed by Toyota in second place and Renault in third. They were followed by Volkswagen, Hyundai, Dacia, BMW, Audi, Citroën and Mercedes. The best-selling model was the Škoda Octavia, with 1,815 units sold. In the light commercial vehicle segment, Fiat led the market, followed by Volkswagen, Škoda, Opel, Renault, Toyota, Citroën, Ford, Peugeot and Mercedes. The best-selling model was the Fiat Doblò with 796 units sold. In the scooter segment, Peda was the leader; in motorcycles, BMW Motorrad; and in the ATV category, CF Moto was the top-selling brand.

The special guest of the conference was Maria Linkova-Nijs, Director for Planning and Strategy at ACEA, who presented insights into the European and global markets.

Speaking about the automotive industry as one of the key driving sectors of the European economy, she highlighted that the sector is undergoing a period of profound transformation, alongside significant geopolitical challenges. According to the data she presented, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) reached a 17.4 percent market share in the European Union in 2025. Although hybrids and gasoline models remain dominant, fully electric vehicles are growing, albeit at a slower pace than expected.

As part of the program, a discussion between the President of the Association and the ACEA representative was held under the title “Electrification Between Ambition and Reality,” addressing the phases of e-mobility development and lessons Serbia can draw from European experience.

The first panel, “Serbia on the Path to Electric Mobility,” brought together representatives from various sectors – industry, certification bodies and road safety institutions. It was concluded that electrification must be approached holistically, through coordination of regulatory, infrastructural and market mechanisms. Participants agreed that Serbia will not bypass the electrification wave; the key question is whether the system will be ready for the next phase of development. Given that dialogue among relevant stakeholders has already begun, it was assessed that a solid foundation for further progress exists.

The second panel, “Moto and ATV – From Record Sales to Systemic Improvements,” focused on the fastest-growing segment of the market. Participants emphasized that this category is expanding rapidly but requires adjustments to the regulatory framework, financial instruments and business conditions. It was highlighted that scooters, motorcycles and ATVs should not be treated solely within the broader category of motor vehicles, but with recognition of the specificities of this segment, which holds distinct market and development potential.

In its jubilee year, the annual conference of the Serbian Association of Vehicle and Parts Importers thus confirmed that the domestic market is entering a period of intensive transformation, but also that there is growing institutional and sectoral readiness to approach these changes strategically and in a coordinated manner.

Photos: Anđelko Vasiljević