Automotive Industry in Greece
1. Overview
The automotive industry in Greece is – unlike in many Central European countries – not a traditional manufacturing sector but a market- and service-driven industry. Its focus lies on import, distribution, maintenance, mobility services, logistics, and increasingly on electromobility and sharing models.
The current situation is shaped by a stabilized macroeconomic environment, rising consumer spending, growing tourism demand, and the ongoing modernization of government incentive programs.
2. Market Structure and Production
2.1 Vehicle Production
Greece does not possess any significant domestic automotive manufacturing.
Historically, a few small manufacturers (e.g., Namco) existed, but their relevance is marginal today.
Value creation is concentrated in the areas of vehicle import, assembly, fleet customization, and special-purpose vehicle construction (emergency vehicles, light commercial vehicles).
2.2 Vehicle Imports & Brand Presence
All major European, Japanese, and Korean carmakers are represented in Greece through general importers or subsidiaries of international groups.
High-demand segments include:
SUVs
Hybrid and mild-hybrid vehicles
Small city cars
Commercial vehicles for tourism, construction, and logistics
3. Sales Development
3.1 Passenger Car Market
Following the severe economic downturn between 2010 and 2018, the Greek automotive market has been recovering steadily.
Recent trends include:
Increasing new registrations, still below pre-crisis levels
Renewal of an aging vehicle fleet (average age > 12 years)
Strong demand from the tourism sector (rental fleets)
3.2 Commercial Vehicles
Solid growth in light commercial vans and transporters
Strong relevance for tourism, last-mile logistics, and infrastructure projects
4. Electromobility
Greece is visibly accelerating the transition toward electric mobility.
Key drivers:
“Κινούμαι Ηλεκτρικά” – the national incentive program for EVs and charging infrastructure
Tax benefits for companies
Expansion of public charging stations, particularly in Athens, Thessaloniki, and tourist regions
Market development:
Double-digit growth in EV new registrations
Market share still below the EU average, but rising dynamically
Particularly strong growth: plug-in hybrids (PHEV) in the corporate sector
5. Aftermarket, Workshops, and Suppliers
5.1 Aftermarket
The Greek aftermarket is well-developed and dominated by independent workshops, spare parts retailers, and multibrand service chains.
High demand is driven by:
An aging vehicle fleet
Heavily used rental and tourism fleets
5.2 Supplier Industry
A traditional supplier industry is largely absent.
Instead, the sector consists of:
Companies providing spare parts, accessories, and logistics services
Small manufacturers of special components and equipment (firefighting, marine, military vehicles)
6. Mobility Services
6.1 Car Rental
Greece is one of the largest car rental markets in the Mediterranean region.
Demand is particularly strong in:
Crete
Rhodes
Santorini
Attica (Athens)
6.2 Carsharing & Ride-Hailing
Carsharing is growing, though more slowly than in Central Europe
Ride-hailing (e.g., Beat) is widespread in major cities
The digitalization of mobility is actively supported by the government
7. Opportunities & Challenges
Opportunities
Growing tourism → increasing demand for rental and transport vehicles
Government incentives for electric mobility
Rising international investment in logistics
Modernization of major fleets (taxis, rental cars, delivery services)
Challenges
No domestic automotive production → strong dependence on imports
Slow bureaucracy and complex taxation
Infrastructure bottlenecks, especially charging points outside metropolitan areas
Lower household purchasing power
8. Outlook
The automotive sector in Greece is expected to grow moderately yet steadily in the coming years.
Key growth drivers remain:
Electrification
Tourism-related fleet investments
Digital mobility platforms
Logistics and urban delivery services
A return to traditional automotive manufacturing remains highly unlikely. Greece will continue to be an import-driven, service-oriented mobility market with dynamic expansion in innovative mobility solutions.
