Prices of new cars on the Czech market increased by an average of 0.8 percent in the first quarter compared to the last quarter of last year. Behind the increase is the widespread rise in prices for the Volkswagen, Škoda and Mercedes-Benz brands. Vehicles in the top variants became more expensive by 1.1 percent, basic equipment by 0.7 percent. This follows from the regular EY price index.
“In addition, the price index has been affected by the growing supply of plug-in hybrids. This type of vehicle helps carmakers reduce overall emissions, but their production entails higher costs, which carmakers further pass on to end-user prices. whose prices rose by an average of 1.9 percent, “said EY ‘s managing partner Petr Knap.
Plug-in hybrid vehicles were 3.5 percent more expensive on average, despite a 21 percent increase in the range of models available with this drive. Diesel and gasoline cars were about half a percent more expensive,
For example, the Škoda Octavia, VW Passat, Škoda Karoq, VW Tiguan, Škoda Superb or Mercedes GLE models were sold at higher prices. For example, the VW Passat was more expensive in all motorizations by an average of more than CZK 16,000.
Small cars with basic equipment recorded a price increase of 1.5 percent. Maximum equipment also became more expensive by 0.4 percent. There has been no change in the mini cars. Prices for lower-middle-class cars rose by 0.7 percent in the basic version and by 0.3 percent in the top equipment. Middle-class cars rose by 2.5 percent and 1.5 percent, respectively. VW Passat in particular had a share in the growth of middle-class prices.
The category of upper-middle-class cars rose by an average of 1.2 and 2.2 percent compared to the previous period. For example, the BMW 5 Series jumped by more than CZK 30,000 in most engines. Even the SUV & Crossover category did not avoid rising prices. The price of basic equipment rose by 0.8 percent and by the maximum by one percent.
“The trend of the last almost four years that we have been preparing the EY price index clearly shows a general increase in car prices in both basic and top equipment. , further price increases can be expected with the gradual electrification of standard combustion units, the situation is not facilitated by lower production capacities caused by a lack of chips or the current pandemic situation, “added Knap.
Sales of new passenger cars in the Czech Republic in the four months of this year rose by 12.6 percent year on year to 68,510 cars. Compared to 2019, which was not affected by coronavirus, it is 17 percent less.