A total of 243,697 new vehicles were sold in Bulgaria between 1998-2007, the national Union of Automobile Importers said.

Sales hit the record 55,336 last year, of which 52,009 (93.99%) new cars.

The year-on-year hike is by more than 10,000 units, or 22.15%.

Last year was the ninth in a row, in which sales of new vehicles rose. The highest increases were recorded in 2004 (49.7%) and in 2005 (35.5%).

Toyota continued to be the most popular brand in Bulgaria last year with a market share of 11.18%, followed by Peugeut, Ford and Opel, which hold more than 8% of the market each.

Peugeut, Piaggio and Yamaha are the leaders on the market of motorcycles, while Mercedes, Iveco, and Man are the top 3 brands among buses.

YearNumber of Vehicles Sold199812362199911958200013069200113365200214361200317220200425786200534940200645300200755336Total243697