Taiwan Vehicle Sales: 2026 (Jan-July)

I don't publish much on Taiwan as the data is basically accurate, but I can't be sure it's 100%. Still, it gives an insight into the market.

Taiwan has a vehicle manufacturing industry that is tariff protected. Toyota is the dominant force here, with just over 30% of the total. Throw in Lexus, and it's not too far off 40%. CMC is a local brand, specialising in light commercials. Foxtron is a new local electric car maker. 

MG is present, assembled locally from imported kits by CMC, but has to meet local content requirements. One thing of note is the absence of Chinese brands from across the water, MG an exception. Cybersecurity risks and other factors mean they are not allowed to be imported, with recent tighter restrictions ensuring loopholes aren't exploited. MG is probably lucky to be there. 

Photos: Foxtron (Bria) & CMC (Veryca).

Aston Martin Global Deliveries : 2025-26 (H1)

Deliveries were down 1% in Q1 and then dramatically up 43% in Q2. That's an exceptional result in the present climate. Last year, wholesale deliveries fell 10%, but things are turning around in 2026. 

I believe reducing inventory was the reason for last year's reduction, with production now more in line with orders received. The 2026 increase is across the board. 

With H1 deliveries up 21%, gross profit is up 68%. With the industry facing so many negative issues, no mean feat. 

Data source: Aston Martin.

Photos: DB12, Vantage, DBX & Valhalla.

Regions: The Americas is where most cars are delivered. 36% of the total went there in H1, for a 29% increase. Europe, Middle East and Africa combine to account for 30%. The UK registered 18%, which historically quite a low figure. The Asia and Pacific region now make up just 16%, probably due to China. 

Models: The GT and sports car range make up 67% of the total. The DBX SUV 23% and Specials 10%. All but one or two of those latter deliveries are for the Valhalla. Current orders for this car stretch to the end of Q4 2026.

Romania Passenger Car Sales : 2026 (Jan-July)

Registrations for July were down 28%, bringing the YTD figure down, now residing at -6%. June was up 59%! Share for 2025 is based on the complete year. Dacia has shed a third of its market share this year, clearly an intentional move. It still does sell one in five cars here. 

Škoda and Volkswagen have done well so far as have Chery, BYD, Tesla and Nissan but Renault and Hyundai have suffered. It really is all rather topsy turvy. The economy is struggling, and consumer purchasing power is down but the fluctuation of the sales figures is confusing.  

Data source: DGPCI. Photos Dacia (Sandero Stepway & Bigster).