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Shafaq News
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- Shafaq News
Kia surges ahead as Iraq's auto market hits $700M in Japanese imports
Shafaq News / Iraq's imports of Japanese vehicles exceeded $700 million in 2024, according to official trade data. Figures showed that Iraq imported a total of $712.5 million worth of Japanese cars, motorcycles, and auto-related accessories last year. This accounted for approximately 16% of Japan's total auto exports to global markets. The bulk of the imports included 17,994 passenger vehicles valued at $612.3 million, along with 2,156 commercial trucks worth $51.7 million. An additional 3,201 units comprised specialized transport vehicles, tractors, and auto parts, valued at $39.4 million. Iraq also imported 236,477 motorcycles and bicycles for $8 million, and 510 mobility-related accessories including strollers and disability carts for just over $1 million. Kia Overtakes Toyota in Q1 2025 While Japanese vehicles dominate Iraq's import charts, South Korea's Kia led vehicle sales in the first quarter of 2025, according to a new report by Focus2Move. The Iraqi automotive market grew by 24.1% during the first three months of the year, extending a multi-year growth trend despite economic and infrastructure hurdles. Kia claimed the top spot with a 26.1% increase in sales, overtaking Toyota, which saw a 3.4% decline and fell to second place. British-Chinese automaker MG took third with a sharp 57.1% increase, while Nissan surged 1,463.6% to rank fourth after climbing 14 positions. Suzuki dropped to fifth following a 34.6% decline in sales. Model-wise, the Toyota Hilux retained its lead as the best-selling vehicle in Iraq with a 10.3% annual growth in Q1, followed by the Kia Frontier, which recorded a 12.7% increase. Electric vehicle sales also rose by 41.6% in Q1 2025, reaching 3% of total vehicle sales—a modest share that analysts expect to grow as Iraq seeks to diversify revenue sources beyond oil. Toyota dominates the EV segment, accounting for 97% of electric vehicle sales, well ahead of Lexus and Land Rover.
Shafaq News
16-02-2025
- Automotive
- Shafaq News
From Hilux to hybrids: inside Iraq's evolving car market
Shafaq News/ Toyota led Iraq's car sales in 2024, followed by Kia and Hyundai, according to a report from Focus 2 Move. "Toyota was the market leader in 2024, with a 35.9% increase in sales, moving up one spot from the previous year," the analysis stated. Kia secured the second position with a 12.7% rise, while Hyundai came third, recording a growth of 36.2%. MG saw a marginal growth of just 0.8%, while Suzuki, ranked fifth, achieving one of the most significant gains among the top 10 brands, with a 120.9% surge. The Toyota Hilux emerged as the best-selling model, with sales climbing 49.1% year-on-year, followed by the Kia Frontier. The findings highlighted a notable shift in Iraq's automotive landscape with the electric vehicle (EV) market growing 164% in 2024. EVs accounted for 2.42% of total car sales. "Although the share remains small, Iraq is expected to continue efforts to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels," the report noted. Toyota dominated the EV sector, capturing more than 90% of sales, significantly outperforming Lexus and Land Rover.
