New cars (illustration)
New cars (illustration)Flash 90

One of the traditional indicators of the health of the Israeli economy is the level of auto imports – and for the first four months of 2015, a new import record was set. During the first four months of the year, 97,657 – the most ever for a four month period – were imported into Israel, and 7.6% more than during the same period last year.

A total of 17,647 vehicles were imported in April alone – 3.7% more than the same month a year earlier. The number was even more remarkable, economists said, because showrooms were closed for at least five extra days in April 2015 than in April 2013, because of the preponderance of holidays and days off during the month, including Passover, Memorial Day, and Israel Independence Day.

Hyundais are still the best-selling cars in Israel, with 12,208 vehicles sold, an 8% increase over the January-April 2014 period for those cars. The biggest climber on the popularity ladder was Kia, which sold 11,450 vehicles in the first four months of this year – 30% more than last year. Toyota, which sold 11,231 vehicles, was in third place, followed by Mitsubishi with 6,035 vehicles sold.