The brand’s dominance was driven by its two Esztergom-produced models, the Vitara and S-Cross, which were the most popular choices among Hungarian buyers last year.
The Vitara was the top-selling car in Hungary in 2024, while the S-Cross claimed the second spot. Additionally, the new Swift topped the B-segment for compact cars, underlining Suzuki’s broad appeal in the domestic market.
With 15,732 units registered in 2024, Suzuki accounted for 12.94% of Hungary’s 121,607 new passenger car registrations. While there were months when Suzuki did not top the monthly charts, year-end data confirmed the brand’s return to the number one position. This marks the 21st time Suzuki has led the Hungarian passenger car market since production began at its Esztergom plant.
Vitara vs. S-Cross: A Close Contest
The Vitara narrowly outpaced the S-Cross in 2024, with 6,883 and 6,607 units registered, respectively. Together, these models were Hungary’s two best-selling vehicles last year.
In February 2024, Suzuki celebrated the production of its 4 millionth Esztergom-made vehicle, a Vitara hybrid destined for France. The Vitara’s popularity received a further boost in April with new safety features, upgraded equipment, and the addition of Suzuki Connect, a connectivity service already popular in the S-Cross lineup.
Other Models Find Success
Suzuki’s imported hybrid models also performed well in Hungary. The newly refreshed Swift, available since May, saw 1,867 registrations, securing its place as the leader in the B-segment. Meanwhile, 302 Ignis units, 71 Swace models, and 2 units of the plug-in hybrid SUV Across were registered in 2024.
A Resilient Year for the Auto Sector
Despite ongoing challenges, including supply chain disruptions like the Red Sea crisis, 2024 was a dynamic yet manageable year for Hungary’s automotive industry.
Initial forecasts predicted single-digit growth in Hungary’s new passenger car sales for 2024 compared to the previous year, but a strong fourth quarter pushed the annual growth rate to 12.9%.
