Overview of Qatar’s Automobile Market in 2021

Qatar's automobile sales in 2021 went up 11.8% year-on-year to 41,823 units, marking the first increase in six years. However, sales were down 7.8% compared to 2019 and over 40% compared to the recent peak in 2015. Toyota, the leading automaker in Qatar, decreased 4.1% to 12,789 units; however, it maintained its over 30% market share. Second-placed Nissan saw a 7.4% drop in sales to 4,295 units. On the other hand, the next three brands, Mitsubishi, Kia and Hyundai, increased doubled digits.

Qatar: Recent Developments

Market Trends

・In 2021, sales rose 11.8% year-on-year to 41,823 units, the first increase in six years. However, it decreased by 7.8% compared to 2019, more than 40% compared to the recent peak in 2015. - Passenger vehicles went up 6.2% to 22,882 units. Light commercial vehicles increased 4.7% to 7,662 units and medium and heavy commercial vehicles rose 23.7% to 391 units.

Industry Trends

・In March 2022, the VW Group established a new regional headquarters in Doha. In addition, VW announced that it will invest 1 million dollars in charging infrastructure development in the country. ・It was reported in March 2022 that Uber is considering introducing its Uber Bus (bus reservation system) and Uber Pool (ride sharing) services in Qatar. ・In March 2021, the Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZA) signed a multi-year contract with Yutong Motor to build and operate an EV bus plant. - The contract is part of a policy to electrify 25% of Qatar’s bus fleet by the end of 2022. The ultimate goal is to convert all public transportation to ZEV by 2030.

Economic Trends

・The GDP growth rate in 2021 was 1.5% year-on- year. The growth forecast for 2022 is 3.4% (IMF, as of Apr. 2022).

---