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2021 a record year for AURES Holdings, selling the most cars in its 30-year history

Group sold 86,571 used cars despite lockdowns in the countries where it operates

Prague, January 10, 2022 - The AAA AUTO, Mototechna and Auto Diskont network of car dealerships, operated by AURES Holdings, achieved the best car sales result in its 30-year history in 2021. This was despite numerous challenges such as Covid restrictions in first four months and ongoing supply chain issues on new to used car supply. Our strong leadership position combined with the Group’s unique sourcing technology with direct procurement from consumers, and its launch in Germany through the Driverama brand, enabled us to deliver a stellar performance

Of the 86,571 cars sold, the Czech Republic remained the Group’s largest market, followed by Poland and Slovakia. The Group sold 49,271 cars domestically, with customers buying a record 20,417 cars in Poland, and 16,846 in Slovakia. This strong year enabled the Group to surpass 2.6m customers that it has served since inception in 1992.

"Despite all the continued complications associated with the Coronavirus pandemic, we are delighted to have delivered the best sales result in the 30-year history of AURES Holdings last year. The well documented shortage of new cars, production delays and rising car prices in the European market have helped to drive increased demand for consumers to change their vehicles for a used model rather than potentially waiting a very long time for a new vehicle.  The Group’s investment in its online capabilities has also played its part, supporting successful car sales even during lockdowns. Czechs, Poles and Slovaks have learned to navigate the online world when buying used cars and have discovered that even a more expensive item such as a car can be safely purchased online and through our Contact Centre. A big thank you also goes to our employees who have selflessly adapted to function in these turbulent times and helped the whole Group to overcome the last two difficult years," said Karolína Topolová, CEO and Chairman of the Board of AURES Holdings, which operates the international network of AAA AUTO, Mototechna and Auto Diskont car centres. “I am pleased to report that 2021 was full of historical records. The Group’s strongest month was October, when we sold 8,844 cars. In the Czech Republic, we had our six most successful months ever in a row, with May selling the most cars. In both Poland and Slovakia, October was the busiest month on record," Topolová pointed out.

The Škoda Octavia has long been the most popular car sold across the Group. It has been a driving force, especially in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, where it took the top spot. In Poland, it came fourth. Second and third place in the Czech Republic and Slovakia are held by two other very popular models, the Škoda Fabia and the Volkswagen Passat.. The second place in Poland is held by the Ford Focus, the third is the Opel Insignia.

TOP 10 most sold cars in the AAA AUTO and Mototechna network in 2021

In the Czech Republic, estate cars remained the most popular choice in 2021 with 29% of customers choosing to buy these models. 27% bought a hatchback and 22% an SUV. "This trend is still heavily influenced by the pandemic. Travelling in their own car is safer than using public transport where the risk of infection is higher. Moreover, the car is an important tool for travelling outside of the Czech Republic, which is why the demand for larger cars for safety and comfort continues to grow," Topolová added.

When reviewing the fuel type of the cars sold in 2021, petrol retained a small majority in the Czech Republic, accounting for 51% of vehicles sold. This percentage was greater in Poland with 67% of cars sold using petrol. In Slovakia, however, diesel cars retained the lead, accounting for 52% of sales. More than a quarter of Czechs and Slovaks chose a car with an automatic transmission. In Poland, 17% of customers prefer an automatic. ”We have also experienced increasing interest in alternative fuel vehicles, especially EVs. Whilst the CEE is at the very early stage of introducing electromobility, the Group remains committed to investing in alternative fuel types and has already installed charging points at multiple branches,” concluded Topolová.