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Which Cars Brands Are Best-Selling in Algeria?

Sep 04,2025

Algeria's Auto Market in 2025: Shifting Trends Across New, Used, and NEVs

 

Algiers, 2025 — Algeria’s automotive market is witnessing dynamic changes in 2025, with distinct brand landscapes emerging across new cars, used cars, and new energy vehicles (NEVs).

 

In the new car segment, Chinese brands are making strong inroads. Zotye’s T700 and T300 SUVs have recorded cumulative sales exceeding 5,000 units this year, capturing 40% of total orders with their affordability and localized design. Great Wall’s Haval H6 continues to be a customer favorite, consistently selling over 800 units per month thanks to its reputation for durability. Meanwhile, Fiat retained its crown as the top-selling fuel vehicle brand in 2024 with 83,841 units sold, largely supported by local production advantages.

 

The NEV segment is gaining momentum under government support. BYD has emerged as a front-runner: its Seagull EV posted a 45% year-on-year sales increase in Q2 2025, securing a 12% market share, while the Song PLUS hybrid SUV grew 30% on the strength of its family-friendly space and extended range. Chery is preparing to accelerate its presence, with plans to launch local NEV production in 2026.

 

In the used car market, Japanese models such as the Toyota Corolla and RAV4 remain dominant, valued for their reliability and easy maintenance. However, Chinese and Italian brands—particularly Zotye and Chery—are gradually carving out space with budget-friendly offerings, though their share still trails behind Japanese rivals.

 

Looking ahead, Algeria’s NEV outlook is underpinned by ambitious government policy. Authorities aim for NEVs to account for 30% of total sales by 2030, supported by purchase subsidies of up to USD 15,000 per vehicle. Localized production efforts by BYD and Chery are expected to further strengthen competitiveness by lowering tariff-related costs.

As Algeria transitions toward a more diverse and electrified automotive market, both established and emerging players are positioning themselves for long-term growth.

Algiers, 2025 — Algeria has established itself as Africa’s second-largest automotive market, with a vehicle stock of roughly 3.5 million units. In recent years, new car sales have expanded at an annual rate of around 25%, and the market is expected to sustain 20–30% growth over the next decade.

 

In 2024, demand for imported new cars reached 200,000–250,000 units per year, while the used car segment remained equally important, recording 470,000 transactions in 2023—nearly half of the entire market. However, years of import restrictions had previously reduced annual import volumes from 400,000–500,000 units to just 150,000 units, triggering a sharp surge in car prices. Local social media noted that average vehicle prices had nearly doubled. The prolonged quota policy also slowed fleet renewal, leaving many older cars on the road. With large-scale scrappage expected in the coming years, demand for both new and used vehicles remains high. Recent improvements in Algeria’s foreign exchange reserves have allowed the government to ease import restrictions, opening up new opportunities for automakers.

 

🔹 New Car Imports

Since reauthorizing import licenses in 2023, Algeria has issued more than 70 approvals. In 2024, imports totaled around 100,000 units. Fiat led the market with 80,000 vehicles, supported by localized production. Chinese automakers followed closely: Geely sold nearly 40,000 units, while Chery, JAC, and BYD combined for about 20,000 units. German brands such as Opel have also secured entry permits, broadening consumer choice.

 

🔹 Used Car Market

After import restrictions eased, Algeria re-opened used car imports in 2023, bringing in more than 9,000 units that year. Imports exceeded 20,000 units in 2024, and the number is expected to rise further in 2025. Japanese cars—especially Toyota—remain the most popular due to their ease of maintenance, while Chinese and Italian used cars are gradually entering the market with several thousand units imported annually.

 

🔹 Commercial Vehicles

Given Algeria’s vast territory and population concentrated in a handful of coastal cities, demand for passenger buses and commercial fleets is strong. By the end of 2024, Chinese manufacturers had exported more than 9,000 passenger buses to Algeria. With abundant natural resources such as oil, the country also shows rising demand for construction and engineering vehicles.

 

Algeria Updates Auto Market Policies – August 2025

 

Algiers, August 2025 — The Algerian government has rolled out new policy measures set to reshape its automotive sector, with a stronger push toward localization and electrification.

 

1️⃣ Import Tariff Adjustment

Starting in 2026, Algeria will raise import tariffs on fully built vehicles to encourage local manufacturing. Currently, pure electric vehicles (EVs) benefit from a preferential duty of around 5%, while fuel-powered cars remain taxed at about 30%.

 

2️⃣ Stricter Localization Requirements

Automakers are now required to achieve a 15% localization rate by their third year of operation (up from 10%), and 35% by the fifth year (up from 30%). Chinese brands such as Zotye and Chery have already accelerated their factory projects in Algeria to align with the new regulations.

 

3️⃣ Extension of EV Subsidies

The government confirmed that its generous EV purchase subsidy program will remain in place until the end of 2026, offering up to USD 15,000 per vehicle, reinforcing Algeria’s ambition to boost electric mobility.

 

 5 Best-Selling Chinese Car Models in Algeria (August 2025)

RankModelTypeKey StrengthsLatest Sales Highlights
1BYD SeagullEV300 km range, affordable pricingQ2 sales leader with 12% market share
2Zotye T700Fuel SUVStrong value-for-money, luxury designOver 5,000 units sold in 2025
3BYD Song PLUSHybrid SUVSpacious family car, solid rangeQ2 sales up 30% year-on-year
4Zotye T300Economy SUVLow-cost, practical, suited for North Africa40% share of new Zotye orders
5Haval H6Fuel SUVDurable, high local recognitionStable monthly sales above 800 units

 

Future Trends and Recommendations for Algeria’s Automotive Market

 

1️⃣ NEVs Remain the Mainstream

Algeria aims for new energy vehicles (NEVs) to reach 30% market share by 2030, giving brands like BYD and Chery a significant competitive edge.

 

2️⃣ Localization Becomes Urgent

With import tariffs set to rise in 2026, the cost of direct exports will increase sharply. Automakers are advised to accelerate local production to stay competitive.

 

3️⃣ After-Sales Networks Are Critical

Algerian consumers place strong emphasis on service quality. Expanding maintenance and charging infrastructure will be key to strengthening customer loyalty and long-term brand presence.

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