Chinese brands already hold 15.9% of the market in Poland. BEVs dropped to 4.7% in August 2026
In August 2026, 51,116 new passenger and delivery vehicles up to 3.5 tons were registered in Poland, representing an increase of 8.07% compared to the previous year. Data from CEPiK compiled by IBRM Samar also show that Chinese brands’ share rose to a record 15.9%, while the share of battery electric vehicles in passenger cars dropped to 4.7% from 7.8% the previous year.
This is a decent mix for the market. Overall sales are rising, Chinese brands are taking a larger share of the market, but BEVs are moving in the opposite direction.
The market is growing, and holidays are no longer a slow season
In August alone, 45,909 new passenger vehicles were registered, also an increase of 8.07% year-on-year, but 18.32% less than in July 2026. The number of delivery vehicles increased by 5,207, representing +8.05% year-on-year and -16.57% month-on-month. This is not unusual given seasonal trends.
The more interesting figure is the summer result. July and August combined saw over 100,000 new car registrations, the first time in the history of this survey. The cumulative total for passenger and commercial vehicles after eight months is 463,431 units, representing a +9.95% year-on-year increase.
IBRM Samar predicts around 645,000 passenger vehicles and 77,000 commercial vehicles for the entire year of 2026. At the current rate, this forecast could even rise further.
In the passenger vehicle segment, 414,162 cars were registered from January to August, 9.56% more than the previous year. Toyota remains the market leader with 57,730 units and a 13.94% share, despite a 4.48% year-on-year decline. Following are Skoda with 42,758 units and an 8.25% increase, Volkswagen with 31,536 units and a 16.06% increase, BMW with 22,165 units, and KIA with 20,992 units.
In the TOP10, Volkswagen had the fastest growth at 15.86%, while Hyundai experienced the steepest decline at 13.32%. Within the broader TOP15, Omoda stood out with a growth rate of 106.53%. Yes, it can really accelerate from a low base.
Chinese brands set records, with BYD leading the way
The share of Chinese passenger car manufacturers rose to 15.9% in August. It was 15.5% the month before, so another record was set. BYD became the new leader among Chinese brands.
This seems like a lasting change, not just a one-time spike. Especially since in terms of individual customers, the MG ZS made it into the top five with 3,621 units sold and a year-on-year growth of 47.37%.
On the demand side, companies still dominate. In August, they accounted for 66.6% of passenger car registrations, which equals 30,597 vehicles. Individual consumers held 33.4%. Throughout 2026, companies’ share was 66.29%, although CEPiK groups some business entities with individuals, so the actual business share might be even higher.
The most popular passenger car model in 2026 remains the Toyota Corolla, with 16,120 units sold. Followed by the Skoda Octavia with 14,263 and the KIA Sportage with 10,810. Among individual customers, the Sportage leads with 5,365 vehicles, while among companies, it’s the Corolla with 14,000.
From an electric mobility perspective, the worst figure for the month was 4.7%. That’s the share of new battery electric vehicle (BEV) passenger cars in August, down from 7.8% the previous year. The new car market is growing, and Chinese brands are expanding even faster, but the share of battery electric vehicles has clearly declined. It’s a poor situation.
In the commercial vehicle market, Renault led in 2026 with 9,261 units sold, representing a 41.63% increase, ahead of Toyota with 7,531 units and Ford with 6,867. The most popular model was the Renault Master, with 6,551 units sold.
In addition, 70,343 used passenger and commercial vehicles were imported into Poland in August from abroad, 4.2% fewer than the previous year.
If this trend continues, we will soon have a market that is more Chinese in nature, but not necessarily more electric. In your opinion, by the end of 2026, will BYD reach the top of the overall market in Poland or not yet?
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