Growth was 12.7% in 2026: These Were the Best-Selling Models of New Car Sales Through May of This Year
The Panamanian automotive market accumulated 26,689 new cars registered between January and May 2026, a growth of 12.7% compared to the 23,679 units of the same period in 2025. In May alone, 4,972 vehicles were sold. The best-selling car brands in Panama for the first five months of the year are dominated by Japanese and South Korean manufacturers, led consistently by Toyota. The top-selling brands year-to-date in the Panamanian market include:
- Toyota
- Hyundai
- Kia
- Suzuki
- Geely
Toyota from Japan remains the clear market leader in the country, followed closely by the sibling brands Kia and Hyundai from Korea, which regularly battle for the runner-up positions. Kia and Hyundai are a Son and Father business. In recent months, Chinese automakers like Geely and Changan have also surged, capturing a significant and growing portion of the market.
The sale of new cars is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the country, driven by a combination of factors including longer financing terms and more competitive pricing. This scenario has led to an increase in both applications for and approval of bank loans for vehicle purchases. The best-selling brands in the first five months of the year are led by Toyota with a total of 4,585 units, followed by Hyundai with 3,282 units.
