Attendance at this year's International Bucharest Car Show (SIAB) brought car importers growth ranging between 30% and 100% during the show's period, with the best results registered in the case of volume brands.

"We estimate SIAB brought a sales increase of around 20-30%, between October 4 and October 24. The real impact SIAB has had on the market will be indicated, however, at the level of sales for the whole of October, as well as at the end of this year," stated Dragos Magdalina, general manager of the sales department at Romcar, Ford's domestic importer.

This year, SIAB intended to stand out primarily through the high number of launches, as well as design concepts. However, the idea of a "car fair", where importers (via dealers present with a stand) can sign sale pre-contracts also remained, although to a lesser extent compared with previous editions.

Kia Rom Auto, importer of the Korean brand in Romania, signed 78 sale contracts during the show's period (through Mit Motors International dealer); double the number of contracts sealed during a normal week.

Citroen Romania also enjoyed a positive reaction from the majority of SIAB visitors to its new C-Crosser SUV and C4 Sedan. Citroen logged 60 orders at the show, but company representatives believe the full impact of its presence at SIAB will be felt within the next few months.

Peugeot, represented by Trust Motors in Romania, was not present at SIAB, as it did not agree with this year's location or exhibition conditions. "SIAB has had no impact on Peugeot (...)," explained Radu Cristian, commercial manager at Trust Motors.

Opel and Chevrolet, the two GM brands present in Romania, saw volumes double during SIAB against the same period in 2006.

Between October 4 and October 12, Porsche Romania registered orders for 606 Volkswagen cars, 703 Skodas and 72 Audis.

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