AZE.US
Azerbaijan’s traditional car markets are experiencing a prolonged downturn as buyers increasingly turn to online listings, direct imports and Chinese-made vehicles.
Despite a slight decline in automobile prices in recent months, sellers complain of a severe shortage of customers, while buyers say vehicles remain too expensive.
The slowdown is particularly visible at the Badamdar car market in Baku. Just three or four years ago, the market was packed with cars, sellers and potential buyers on weekends. Now, large sections of the site remain almost empty even on Saturdays.
Dealers say the traditional car-market model is steadily losing relevance. One of the main reasons is the rapid growth of social media pages and specialized online platforms, where owners and intermediaries can advertise vehicles directly.
Buyers can also order cars from abroad without visiting a physical market. According to sellers, imported vehicles may cost between 2,000 and 3,000 manats less than comparable cars offered at local dealerships or open-air markets.
The structure of demand has also changed sharply. While German, South Korean and other established brands once dominated the market, buyers are increasingly choosing Chinese vehicles.
Some dealers who previously specialized in European and South Korean cars have also shifted toward Chinese brands because that is where demand is now concentrated.
Hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles are among the most sought-after models. Gasoline-powered cars, which once formed the backbone of the market, have become significantly harder to sell.
Market participants say traditional car bazaars are losing competition to digital sales platforms, direct imports and Chinese manufacturers.
Unless the trend reverses, Azerbaijan’s once-busy automobile markets could gradually become a thing of the past.
AZE.US