Sri Lanka’s registration of vehicles in January 2019 in most categories had a rebound by witnessing a sharp decline in December 2018. Accordingly Motor car registrations alone had increased by 17.9% recording 3,147 units in January 2019 against 2,669 units in December 2018. However total units for the last 12 months had decreased from 5,318 units. Meanwhile brand new car registrations recorded 429 units in January up from 352 units in December, whilst the number has declined from 837 units 12 months ago. Small cars (under 1,000cc), accounted for 78.1% of the total according to statistics.

Pre-owned car registrations recorded 2,718 units in January up from 2,317 units the previous month, but significantly declined from 4,481 units 12 months ago. Premium cars recorded 113 units in January, slightly up from 97 units the previous month, but significantly declined from 206 units 12 months ago. New cars accounted for 48 units. Electric cars recorded 4 units down from 5 units the previous month and significantly declined from 18 units 12 months ago.

Meanwhile SUVs recorded 735 units in January down from 854 in December, but up from 583 units 12 months ago. Hybrid vehicles recorded 1,232 units in January up from 1,057 units the previous month, but significantly declined from 2,980 units 12 months ago. Van registrations recorded 550 units in Jan up from 438 units the previous month and significantly declined from 815 units 12 months ago.

Further Three Wheeler registrations recorded 1,706 units in January up from 1,332 units the previous month and 1,544 units 12 months ago, whilst 2-wheeler registrations recorded 28,114 units in January, significantly up from 22,942 units the previous month, but down from 31,694 units 12 months ago. Scooters accounted for 18,206 which is 65% of total volumes.