By AZE.US
Azerbaijan’s automobile market ended the summer with lower asking prices, but the decline may prove temporary. The median price of a vehicle listed for sale fell to 16,800 manats ($9,882) in August, while experts warn that popular models could become about 5% more expensive in September and October.
The August median was 1.2% below the 17,000-manat ($10,000) level recorded in July. It stood at 17,900 manats ($10,529) in June and 18,000 manats ($10,588) in May.
Overall, the market median declined by 1,200 manats, or approximately 6.7%, between May and August.
However, these figures represent prices advertised by sellers rather than the final amounts paid by buyers. Actual transaction prices can be lower because of bargaining, a vehicle’s technical condition and a seller’s willingness to complete the deal quickly.
Which Models Lost the Most Value?
Prices declined in both the mass-market and premium segments during the first eight months of 2026.
The steepest drop was recorded for the Nissan X-Trail. Its median price fell from 61,900 manats ($36,412) in December 2025 to 52,900 manats ($31,118) in August 2026. The vehicle lost 9,000 manats, or 14.5%, in eight months.
The Chevrolet Cobalt, one of the more affordable and widely traded models in Azerbaijan, ranked second. Its median price declined from 20,000 manats ($11,765) to 17,250 manats ($10,147), a reduction of 2,750 manats, or 13.8%.
Other notable declines included:
- Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 4MATIC: from 260,218 to 225,526 manats, down 13.3%;
- Nissan Qashqai: from 57,900 to 50,800 manats, down 12.3%;
- M-Hero 917: from 185,300 to 164,900 manats, down 11%;
- Hyundai Elantra: from 38,900 to 34,900 manats, down 10.3%.
Median prices decreased for 25 new-car models during the period. The least expensive vehicle in the reviewed list was the JAC JS2 at 19,250 manats ($11,324), while the BMW X7 was the most expensive at 275,500 manats ($162,059).
Why Did the Market Decline During the Summer?
The lower market median does not necessarily mean that every vehicle became cheaper. Changes in the composition of listings can also influence the figure.
The number of active advertisements declined from 43,318 in May to 41,192 in June, a decrease of almost 5%. The average mileage of vehicles offered for sale exceeded 210,000 kilometers.
An increase in the share of older or less expensive vehicles can push the overall median lower even if prices for individual models remain stable. The median represents the midpoint of the market: half of the listed vehicles cost less, while the other half cost more.
Passenger-Car Imports Fall Nearly 38%
A sharp reduction in imports is another factor that could affect prices in the coming months.
Azerbaijan imported 36,169 passenger vehicles worth approximately $660 million in January–July 2026. The number of imported cars fell 37.7% compared with the same period of 2025.
The average declared statistical value was approximately $18,250, or 31,025 manats, per imported vehicle. That figure should not be confused with the final retail price because it does not include every tax, domestic transportation expense, insurance cost or dealer markup.
Imports of electric and hybrid vehicles declined particularly sharply. Azerbaijan imported 596 electric vehicles during the first seven months of 2026, down 49.5% from a year earlier. Hybrid imports plunged 63.1% to 3,837 vehicles.
The contraction has not yet created an overall shortage because the market still includes cars imported during previous periods. However, continued declines in shipments could gradually reduce the supply of new and relatively recent vehicles.
Could Prices Rise by 5%?
Transport expert EldEldaniz Jafarov said car prices are unlikely to decline further during the fall. He expects higher seasonal demand and increased transportation, logistics and insurance costs to place upward pressure on the market.
September and October are traditionally more active months for vehicle sales in Azerbaijan. As demand returns after the summer, sellers of popular and highly liquid models may be able to raise their prices.
As muchIf the projected 5% increase materializes, the overall median would rise from 16,800 to approximately 17,640 manats ($10,376). That would reverse part of the summer decline but would still leave the market median below its May level of 18,000 manats.
The increase is also unlikely to be: be evenly distributed. Prices for vehicles with strong demand, readily available spare parts and relatively low operating costs could recover faster. Less popular models, high-mileage vehicles and cars requiring expensive maintenance may remain under pressure.
For buyers, the figures present a mixed picture. Cars are generally cheaper than they were at the beginning of the year, but shrinking imports and stronger seasonal demand could narrow the opportunity to secure lower prices this fall.
AZE.US