The new car sales industry in Israel has been dealt a severe blow during the recession, reporting a 50% drop in sales in April as compared to April 2008. 8,841 news cars were turned over to their owners as compared to 15,007 in March 2008, representing a 41% drop. Part of the drop is attributed to the weeklong Pessach period during which most Israelis do not shop for vehicles.
 
During the first four months of 2009, there was a 39.7% drop in new car sales as compared to a year ago, registering 47,560 new sales as compared to 78,830 in 2008.
 
Toyota led in April with 1,662 sales, followed by Mazda (1,105) and Hyundai with 745.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)