Bus registrations (new, imported used, and domestic resales) in March 2026 rose by 41.8% compared to February of the same year—to 553 units—though this is three buses fewer than the figure for March 2025, according to the Automotive Market Research Institute (AMRI).
“Domestic resales remain the main channel for vehicle sales (355 transactions), showing a 47.9% increase compared to February. However, on an annual basis (compared to March 2025), the market still lags by 9.9%, which is a consequence of the high operating costs of outdated models,” reads a post on the IAM website.
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter remains the leader in resales (72 transactions), which, according to experts, has effectively monopolized the niche of suburban and intercity express transportation. Second place goes to the VDL Citea (46 transactions), which, according to experts, indicates active turnover of used European low-floor buses in the domestic market.
Third and fourth places are held by the Ukrainian brands “Etalon” and “Bogdan”—with 21 and 20 transactions, respectively. They hold positions in the school and budget commuter transport segment.
The import segment for used buses in March grew by 26% compared to February 2026, reaching 97 units (102 units in March 2025). More than half of the top five registrations are accounted for by Daimler Group products—led by the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (31 units), with the Cirato and Vario models in second and third place (12 and 7 units, respectively).
“With diesel priced at 90 UAH/liter, carriers are opting for Euro-5 and Euro-6 compliant vehicles, which is a necessary condition for maintaining profitability on routes,” the report states.
The new bus segment (imports and Ukrainian production) totaled 101 units in March—68% more than in March of last year, but, as noted by the IDA, the main trend was the growth in imports of new vehicles (53 units—four times more than in February 2026), which for the first time in a long time exceeded domestic production volumes (48 units).
According to experts, the Isuzu Citiport (20 units) became the market leader, indicating the implementation of targeted programs to renew city fleets. Second place went to the new Ford Transit (17 units), which are used as social and corporate transport. Next are the Ukrainian “Etalon” and “Bogdan” – 12 units each.
“Domestic manufacturers (BAZ, ”Bogdan,” Ataman, ZAZ) recorded a 20% decline in production in March compared to February. The majority of the vehicles produced are small-class suburban models, which are traditionally purchased with budget funds. The positive year-over-year trend (+71.4% compared to March 2025) indicates a gradual resumption of factory operations following last year’s stagnation,” experts note.
