The Israel Motor Vehicles Importers Association reported that in the first five months of 2015, 118,437 new motor vehicles were delivered in Israel, up 5.3% from the corresponding period in 2014.

However, in May 20,763 new cars were delivered, down 4.3% from May 2014. May was characterized by continuing high demand from leasing companies for cars taken through financing.

However, sources in the sector now see more moderate demand, which will become more pronounced in the summer due to a surplus of new vehicles held by leasing companies. The leading brand for new cars in 2015 is Hyundai, which has made 15,447 deliveries this year, up 3% from the corresponding period last year. In second place is Kia with 14,539, up 31%. Kia’s Sportage 1.6 liter engine car, which had its price cut three months ago, and had over 1,000 deliveries in May, has become Israel’s top-selling car.

In third place with 13,690 deliveries over the past five months is Toyota, up 5%. In fourth place was Mazda with 8,934 deliveries, up 6% and in fifth place was Skoda with 7,298 deliveries, up 26%.