These forecasts were presented by Veaceslav Ionita, an economic policy expert at IDIS Viitorul. The expert noted that car imports continue to grow, and the market is transforming due to both the expanding role of importers and the growth of electric vehicles. According to the estimates presented, in 2026, car imports into Moldova could grow by 5.5% compared to the previous year—reaching 67,400 units, with companies importing 35,400 cars and individuals importing about 32,000. The share of businesses in total car imports will reach 52.5% (compared to 27.7% in 2015). In value terms, economic agents will account for 60.5% of car imports—about $690 million. At the same time, individuals will account for 39.5% of imports—about $450 million. Furthermore, compared to 2020, the total value of automobile imports will increase by approximately 3.4 times, while the value of imports carried out by companies will grow by approximately 4.1 times. According to Veaceslav Ionita, these figures indicate a shift in the market structure, with car imports becoming more organized and increasingly conducted through legal entities. One of the most significant trends noted by the economist is the acceleration of the electrification of the automotive market. In 2026, corporate imports of electric vehicles will grow, while imports of conventional vehicles will decline. According to the data presented, in 2026, imports of conventional cars will decrease by 4.1%, while imports of electric vehicles will increase by 16.2%. Consequently, according to the expert's calculations, electric vehicles will account for 34.4% of the total number of vehicles imported by companies. Herewith, Chinese brands will account for about 60% of the electric vehicles imported by companies, compared to approximately 10% in 2020. The share of such vehicles in Moldova's current vehicle fleet increased from 1.1% in 2020 to 5.6% in the second quarter of 2026. However, fully electric vehicles accounted for only 11.6% of corporate imports of electrified vehicles, while gasoline-powered plug-in hybrid vehicles accounted for 52.7%. A shift in the geography of imports is another important trend, the expert noted. In 2020, China surpassed Germany in the number of vehicles imported by companies, and in 2025, it also surpassed Germany in their value: $108.1 million versus $104.8 million. From July 2025 to June 2026, approximately 14,000 vehicles were imported from China to Moldova, while a total of 11,700 were imported from European Union countries. China accounted for 22.9% of the value of corporate imports during this period, while Germany accounted for 17.4%. The analysis also reveals changes in average import prices. The average cost of a car imported by an individual in 2026 is estimated to be 29.2% lower than the average cost of a car imported by a company, with the difference between them amounting to approximately 4,700 euros. While in 2001–2005 the cost of importing a car was about 16.6 times the average annual net salary, in 2026 it is estimated to be 1.8 times the annual salary. This decline reflects an improvement in affordability relative to income of approximately 9.2 times for cars imported by companies. // 23.10.2026 — InfoMarket.