Market Trend and Outlook

Bahrain’s vehicle market in September 2023 falls for the second month in a row, reporting 2,041 new registrations (-8.9%). YTD figures at 20,234 are up 6.9% from the previous year.

Looking at cumulative data up to September 2023 brand-wise, the leader is still Toyota with a 14.5% growth in sales while holding 30.1% market share, followed by Hyundai which grew 40.3%. Nissan ranks in 3rd spot with a 20.8% year-on-year loss in sales.

The best selling car becomes the Toyota Land Cruiser up 1 spot and 38.0% in year-on-year sales, followed by the Isuzu D-Max up 108 spots in the rankings.

Medium-Term Market Trend

The economic crisis correlated with the fall of oil price in the international market hit the Bahrain automotive industry in 2016, with a delay compared with the other countries in the Gulf region. Indeed the market scored the all-time record in 2015, with 65,042 sales, before a sharp decline to 38,000 units in 2017.

In 2018 the market was flat while in 2019 it was again in a deep fall.

Indeed, in 2019 the economy was further hit by the government’s decision to introduce VAT tax from January 2019, with the effect to increase inflation and reduce consumer purchase power. Several consumer goods industries have declined and the automotive was certainly among them. Indeed, in the Full-year sales have been 31,836, down 18.1%.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic sales fell in  2020. In fact, 26,437 units have been sold, reporting a decline of 16.9% compared to 2019.

In 2021 the year started slightly negatively for the Bahrain market, in fact, in Q1 7,251 units have been sold, reporting a 1.5% decrease in sales compared to Q1 2020, while in Q2 sales started growing again, reporting a 23.8% increase in sales with 6,428 units sold.

In Q3 sales kept gaining 7.7% with 6,428 units, followed by a 8% drop in Q4 with 7,227 sales.

Indeed, Full-Year sales for 2021 have been 27,528, reporting a 3.7% increase compared to 2020.

In Q1 2022 sales dropped 16.7% with 5,853 units sold, but started recovering 3.2% in Q2 with 6,483 units sold.

Tables with sales figures

In the tables below we report sales for Top 10 Brands.

Focus2move Automotive Market Reports provide a comprehensive and complete overview of the competitive environment including information on the sales volumes of cars and light commercial vehicles, market size, market share, and industry trends. The research also provides a deep analysis of segments and complete data for brands and models in the last two years, plus forecasts for total market sales, segments, and brands up to 2028.

Through our comprehensive global sales database, and the expertise of seasoned consultants in the field, we can help you gain further insight into the automotive market trends and base your business decisions on actionable data.

Make sure you stay one step ahead of your competitors!

Focus2move market reports can help improve your data-driven decision-making process by providing up-to-the-minute automotive industry intelligence.

Table of contents

• Country Overview
  • Geography
  • History
  • People & Politics
• Economic Outlook
  • Economy
  • Infrastructure
• Market Outlook
  • Market Heritage
  • Car Passenger’s segmentation
  • LCVs segmentation
  • Car Passengers Body Type mix
  • LCVs Body Type mix
  • Premium segment share
  • Chinese OEMs share
• Key Players
  • Top selling Groups 2022
  • Top selling Brands 2022
  • Premium Brands
  • Chinese Brands
• Market Data By Model
  • Top selling Models 2022
  • Top models by segment and body type
• Key Factors for market Evolution
  • Country development
  • Economic Outlook
  • Customer base evolution
  • Low-Carbon Transition Policy
  • Infrastructure & Investments
• 2023-2028 Volume Forecast
  • TIV evolution by segment
  • Cars and LCVs forecast
  • Segments forecast
  • Premium segment share forecast
  • Chinese OEMs share forecast
  • Forecast by Manufacturer

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Price for data by model for the past 2 years in excel: €3,000
Price for market research + data by model in excel: €4,000

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Market Trend and Outlook

Bahrains’s vehicle market in December fell after gaining 5.6% in November, reporting 2,389 new registrations (-6.4%). Sales in 2022 totaled 25,744, a 4.0% loss from the prior year.

Looking at cumulative data from 2022 brand-wise, the leader is still Toyota with a 15.6% drop in sales while holding 29.3% market share, followed by Nissan which lost 5.6%. Hyundai ranks in 3rd spot with a 1.0% year-on-year growth in sales.

Tables with sales figures

In the tables below we report sales for Top 10 Brands.

Market Trend

Bahrain’s car market this year attempted to recover from the pandemic crash of 2020 and reported a very promising performance in Q2 and Q3, followed by another fall.

The economic crisis correlated with the fall of oil price in the international market hit the Bahrain automotive industry in 2016, with a delay compared with the other countries in the Gulf region. Indeed the market scored the all-time record in 2015, with 65,042 sales, before a sharp decline to 38,000 units in 2017.

In 2018 the market was flat while in 2019 it was again in a deep fall.

Indeed, in 2019 the economy was further hit by the government’s decision to introduce VAT tax from January 2019, with the effect to increase inflation and reduce consumer purchase power. Several consumer goods industries have declined and the automotive was certainly among them. Indeed, in the Full-year sales have been 31,836, down 18.1%.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic sales fell in  2020. In fact, 26,437 units have been sold, reporting a decline of 16.9% compared to 2019.

In 2021 the year started slightly negatively for the Bahrain market, in fact, in Q1 7,251 units have been sold, reporting a 1.5% decrease in sales compared to Q1 2020, while in Q2 sales started growing again, reporting a 23.8% increase in sales with 6,428 units sold.

In Q3 sales kept gaining 7.7% with 6,428 units, followed by a 8% drop in Q4 with 7,227 sales.

Indeed, Full-Year sales for 2021 have been 27,528, reporting a 3.7% increase compared to 2020.

Brand-wise, this year the leader Toyota (-5.9%) lost 3.3% market share, followed by Nissan (+30.8%), which gained 2.2% share, and Hyundai which lost 0.5% share, losing 3.8%.  Lexus fell in 4th place and lost 19.2%, followed by Isuzu -up 2 spots- which gained 69.8%, and Honda which remained almost flat (+0.6%).

Kia lost 10.1% and fell 2 spots, followed by MG (+37.2%) and Mitsubishi which lost 4.6% sales. Closing the leaderboard we have Mazda losing 3.1%.

The most sold vehicle in the country remains the Toyota Land Cruiser with 2,429 units sold, gaining 14% sales and holding 8.8% share.

Tables with sales figures

In the tables below we report sales for Top 10 Brands.

Economic Environment

The economy contracted 8.9% in the second quarter, according to preliminary estimates, following a softer 1.1% decrease in the first quarter. Q2’s drop was led by a decline in the non-oil sector, while the oil sector managed to grow.

The external sector was hit the hardest, with tourism, and transport and communication services suffering as a consequence of the restrictions imposed at home and abroad to contain the spread of the pandemic.

Turning to Q3, activity is expected to have recovered somewhat thanks to the reopening of economies globally, while continued support from the Central Bank and the government should have helped to boost the economy. On the political front, on 15 September Bahrain followed the UAE’s steps in signing an agreement to normalize relations with Israel, which should enhance trade opportunities.

Market Trend

The Bahrain car market has been hit in 2020 by the world-wide COVID-19 pandemic, which has impacted sales significantly.

The light vehicles market is mirroring the economic environment of the country, hit by the covid-19 virus directly, with all restrictive measures to keep distances and minimize the virus circulation, and indirectly, by the fall of oil price in the international market.

Indeed, Full-Year sales for 2020 have been 26.437, reporting a decline of 16.9% compared to 2019.

Brand-wise, this year the leader Toyota (-12.3%) gained 1.9% market share, followed by Nissan (-29.4%), which lost 1.4% share, and Lexus which gained 2.2% share, rising 19.9%.  Hyundai fell in 4th place and lost 16.8%, followed by Kia -up 3 spots- which lost 1.4%.

The most sold vehicle in the country remains the Toyota Land Cruiser with 2.131 units sold, losing 36% sales and holding 8.1% share.

Tables with sales figures

In the tables below we report sales for Top Brands

Research Contents

Focus2move Automotive Market Reports provide a comprehensive and extensive overview about this market including information on the cars and light commercial market size, market share and industry trends, with a deep segment analysis and full data for brands and models in the last two years, plus forecast by T.I.V:, segments and brand up to 2025.

We can help you gain further insight into the automotive market trends and gain valuable automotive consumer data.

Make sure you stay one step ahead of your competitors!

Focus2move market analysis can help you make informed business decisions by providing up-to-the-minute automotive industry intelligence.

Contents are:

Historical Data 2010-2019

1. Global Vehicles Market Data
   1. Global light vehicles sales
   2. Global light vehicles market trend
   3. Global Industry by type
   4. Light Vehicles industry mix
   5. Global car passenger’s sales
   6. Global car passenger’s sales trend
   7. Global LCVs sales
   8. Global LCVs sales trend
   9. Global Premium segment sales
   10. Global Premium segment share on market
2. Introduction to the country
   1. Geographical position
   2. The country essence
   3. Historical heritage
   4. Key economic findings
3. Market vehicles industry data & trends
   1. Light Vehicles sales 2010-2019
   2. Light Vehicles trend 2011-2019
   3. Total Industry by Type 2010-2019
   4. Light Vehicles Industry mix 2010-2019
   5. Car passenger’s sales 2010-2019
   6. Car passenger’s sales trend 2011-2019
   7. LCVs sales 2010-2019
   8. LCVs sales trend 2011-2019
   9. Vehicles Fleet 2010-2016
   10. Vehicles Fleet trend 2011-2016
   11. Car Passenger’s Fleet 2010-2016
   12. Car Passenger’s Fleet trend 2011-2016
   13. Commercial Vehicles Fleet 2010-2016
   14. Commercial Vehicles Fleet trend 2011-2016
   15. Total Vehicles production 2011-2017
   16. Total vehicles production variation 2012-2017
   17. Car Passenger’s production 2013-2017
   18. Car Passenger’s production variation 2012-2017
   19. Commercial Vehicles production 2012-2017
   20. Commercial Vehicles production variation 2013-2017
4. Performance by brand 2018-2019
   1. All Vehicles sales & share table 2018-2019
   2. Car Passenger’s Segment sales & share table 2018-2019
   3. Commercial vehicles sales & share table 2018-2019
   4. Cars Passenger’s Top 10 Brands trend 2010-2019
   5. LCVs Top 10 Brands trend 2010-2019
   6. Top 10 Groups sales volume 2010-2019
   7. Top 10 Groups market share 2010-2019
   8. Top 10 Groups sales volume 2010-2019
   9. Top 10 Groups market share 2010-2019
   10. Top 10 Cars Manufacturers  trend 2010-2019
5.  Premium Brands performance
   1. Premium brands sales volume 2010-2019
   2. Premium segment market share 2010-2019
   3. Premium brands sales 2017-2019
   4. Premium brands share 2017-2019
   5. Top Models sales 2017-2019
   6. Top models share 2017-2019
6. Car Passenger’s segmentation
   1. Car Passenger’s segmentation – size 2019
   2. Sales distribution by segment 2019
   3. Segment A share and volumes 2010-2019
   4. Segment B share and volumes 2010-2019
   5. Segment C share and volumes 2010-2019
   6. Segment D share and volumes 2010-2019
   7. Segment E share and volumes 2010-2019
   8. Segment F share and volumes 2010-2019
7. Car Passenger’s segmentation – Body
   1. Sales distribution by segment 2019
   2. Coupe share and volumes 2010-2019
   3. Hatchback share and volumes 2010-2019
   4. MPV share and volumes 2010-2019
   5. Sedan share and volumes 2010-2019
   6. SUV share and volume 2010-2019
8. Car Passenger’s models performance
   1. Best-selling models – Cars Top 10 sales 2019
   2. Best-selling models – Cars Top 10 share 2019
   3. All models sales and share – Cars 2017-2019
9. CVs segment analysis & data
   1. CVs mix evolution 2010-2019
   2. CVs segments mix 2019
   3. Light Bus sales and trend 2010-2019
   4. Van Small sales and trend 2010-2019
   5. Van Mid sales and trend 2010-2019
   6. Van Large sales and trend 2010-2019
   7. Pick ups sales and trend 2010-2019
   8. LCV Truck sales and trend 2010-2019
   9. LCV Truck sales and trend 2010-2019
   10. Top 10 models sales and market share 2019
   11. All models sales and share – LCVs 2018-2019
10. LCVs models performance
    1. Best-selling models – Top 10 sales 2019
    2. Best-selling models – Top 10 share 2019
    3. All models sales and share 2018-2019

Outlook 2020-2025

1. Global Mega Trends
   1. Regional Production System
   2. Global Vehicles Architecture
   3. Towards Zero Emission
   4. Safety First
   5. Integrated Mobility System
   6. Social Individual Consumer
   7. Connected Mobility
2. Global Vehicles Market Forecast 2020-2025
   1. Light vehicles salesLight vehicles sales trend
   2. Global Industry
   3. Light vehicles industry mix
   4. Car Passenger’s sales volume
   5. Car Passenger’s sales trend
   6. LCVs sales volume
   7. LCVs sales trend
   8. Premium segment sales volume
   9. Premium segment sales trend
3. Local Vehicles Market Mega Trends 2020-2025
   1. Demographics
   2. Economic Development
   3. Infrastructures
   4. Business Environment
   5. Key Factors – direct & indirect
4. Local Vehicles Market Forecast 2020-2025
   1. Light vehicle Sales Volume
   2. Light vehicle sales trend
   3. Total industry
   4. Light vehicles sales trend
   5. Car Passengers Sales Volume
   6. Car Passengers sales trend
   7. LCVs Sales Volume
   8. LCVs sales trend
   9. Premium segment sales evolution
   10. Premium segment share of market
5.  Brand Performance Forecast 2020-2025
   1. Top 10 Brands C.A.G.R. 2020-2025
   2. Top 11-20 Brands C.A.G.R. 2020-2025
   3. Top 10 Brands sales volume forecast 2020-2025
   4. Top 10 Brands market share 2025
   5.  All Brands sales and share tables 2020-2025
6. Car Passenger’s Segments Forecast 20120-2025
   1. Body size segmentation
      1. Segment A sales and trend
      2. Segment B sales and trend
      3. Segment C sales and trend
      4. Segment D sales and trend
      5. Segment E sales and trend
      6. Segment E sales and trend
   2. Body style segmentation
      1. Hatchback sales and trend
      2. MPV sales and trend
      3. Sedan sales and trend
      4. SUV sales and trend
      5. Coupè sales and trend
7. LCVs segments Forecast 2020-2025
   1. Van Light sales and trend
   2. Van Mid sales and trend
   3. Van Large sales and trend
   4. Bus light sales and trend
   5. Pick up sales and trend
   6. LCVs Truck sales and trend

AX – Sources
AX – Methodology

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Economic Environment

Market Trend

The economic crisis correlated with the fall of oil price in the international market hit the Bahrain automotive industry in the 2016, with a delay compared with the other countries in the Gulf region. Indeed the market scored the all time record in the 2015, with 65.042 sales, before to sharply decline to 38.000 units in the 2017.

In 2018 the market was flat while in the 2019 is again in deep fall.

Indeed, in the 2019 the economy was further hit by the government decision to introduce VAT tax from January 2019, with the effect to increase inflation and reduce consumer purchase power. Several consumer goods industries have declined and the automotive was certainly among them. Indeed, in the Full-year sales have been 31.836, down 18.1%.

Brand-wise, the market is a feud of Toyota. However, the Japanese icon has navigated well below the record share hit in 2014 with 42.1%. Indeed, Toyota held 34.6% of the market in 2019.

The best follower was really far and it was Nissan with a share of 9.7% (to be compared with a best in this decade of 13.5% in 2015), while the third was Hyundai, able to perform above the 10% in the period 2010-2014, but it 2019 holding just 6.5% of share.

Almost all brands have reported year-on-year losses, apart from the Chinese MG and Volkswagen, Isuzu and Audi.

Tables with sales figures

In the tables below we report sales for Top Brands

Economic Environment

Bahraini economy softened in Q4 2018 as ebbing crude oil prices dragged on the oil sector. Moreover, declining prices for aluminium, the country’s second-top export, could also have hit economic growth in the period. In more positive news, total non-oil exports accelerated notably in 2018, reflective of diversification efforts, while FDI climbed to an all-time high in the year.

The construction and manufacturing sectors should underpin growth in 2019, while fiscal discipline should boost business confidence and investment in the longer-term. That being said, the introduction of the VAT in January and a tighter fiscal stance will likely hurt domestic demand in the short-term.

Market Trend

Bahrain vehicles market ended in 2015 a long positive period, hitting the all-time record at 65.042 sales. However the economic crisis generated in the region by the fall of oil price in the international market have rapidly reduced the consumer’s demand and sales dropped to 49.800 in the 2016 and 38.260 in the 2017, down 23.2%.

In the 2018 the new vehicles light vehicles market has stopped the fall. Indeed, after a negative start, the year ended with sales at 38.872, improving 1.7% from the previous year. However, after having created a pull-ahead effect until December 2018, the introduction of VAT in January 2019 should penalize the start of the new year.

At brand-wise, the 2018 market leader Toyota has lost share selling 13.321 units (-6.3%) while the second, Nissan, soared to 27.7% at 4.505 units and the third, Hyundai reported a heavy loss. Honda jumped in fourth place, scoring a brilliant performance (+20%), with 1.919 units sold.

Tables with sales figures

In the tables below we report sales for Top Brands

Bahrain economy continues to grow at a moderate pace heading into 2018, with a marked contrast between the non-oil and oil sectors.

The non-oil sector is fairly dynamic, boosted by growth in tourism and a strong investment pipeline spearheaded by the GCC Development Fund, while the oil sector remains hampered by OPEC production cuts, which were recently extended through 2018. Encouragingly, the Q4 business confidence index produced by the Information and eGovernment Authority remained in positive territory

Bahrain vehicles market ended in the 2015 a long positive period, hitting the all time record at 65.042 sales. However the economic crisis generated in the region by the fall of oil price in the international market have rapidly reduced the consumer’s demand and sales dropped to 49.800 in the 2016 and 38.260 in the 2017, down 23.2%.

At brand-wise, the market leader Toyota has lost in line with the industry with 14.225 sales (-28.1%). It was followed, at an abysmal distance,  by Nissan with 3.528 (-25.7%) and Hyundai with 3.245 sales (-18.7%).

Tables with sales figures

In the tables below we report sales for Top Brands

Bahrain’s economy gained momentum in Q3 2016 after a weak showing in the previous quarter, with GDP rising at a faster pace thanks to strong growth in the country’s non-oil sector and job creation continuing at a brisk rate. The construction industry was at the heart of the improvement, propelled by unprecedented infrastructure investment, with a project pipeline totaling USD 69.7 billion in December.

Growth is expected to dip slightly this year, with the oil sector set to remain weak despite a predicted modest uptick in oil prices. Moreover, the looming risk of further interest rate hikes and the knock-on effect on borrowing costs is likely to growth.

Vehicles market reported a sharp fall in the 2016, ended with the fourth quarter down near 14%, prolonging the decline started in mid 2015 and boosted by economic effects of oil price fall. Light vehicles volumes ended the year at 49.669 units (-23.9%), falling back at the 2012 level , however the fourth highest ever.

The market leader, Toyota has lost a little more than the market (-25.4%) and Nissan did the same (-24.8%). Better performances had been done by the third, Hyundai (+3.2%). In fourth place and leader among premium brands, Lexus has lost 15.1% and was followed by Kia (-33.9%), Honda (-14.4%) and Isuzu (-7.5%).

At model wise, the best five models had been made by Toyota with podium unchanged from the previous year. The leader is the Toyota Land Cruiser  with 4.483 sales (-25.6%) followed by the Toyota Prado with 2.942 (-24.6%) and the Toyota Hilux with 2.773 (-40%).

Effective from January 1, 2018 it is anticipated that Bahrain will introduce a broad Valued Added Tax (VAT) at a rate of between 3-5%. All businesses in Bahrain will be affected since VAT will impact most sales of goods and services within Bahrain, where it is anticipated there would be limited exemptions and consumption tax relief. Effects on the sector should be positive in the second half of 2017, anticipating sales to avoid the 2018 price increase.

Tables with sales figures

In the tables below we report sales for Top Brands