73,489 new vehicles registered this year, total count rises to 8.5 Mn: DMT

• Upward trend in vehicle registrations expected to continue in the coming months, following easing of import restrictions

By Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama

Following the recent easing of import restrictions, the country has recorded 73,489 new vehicle registrations so far this year, bringing the total vehicle population to 8,528,002, the Department of Motor Traffic said. 

According to DMT sources, 7,542 cars have been registered up to May, along with 58,943 motorcycles and 1,666 three-wheelers. Additionally, 293 buses, 156 special purpose vehicles, 1,817 land vehicles, and 1,123 dual-purpose vehicles were also registered during this period.   

With these additions, the total population of cars in the country has risen to 912,871, while the number of three-wheelers has reached 1,186,220. The motorcycle population now stands at 4,981,211, dual-purpose vehicles at 452,819, land vehicles at 403,096, and the total bus population has increased to 114,362.   

The report further said that a total of 4,367 cars under 1,000cc capacity and electric vehicles have also been registered up to May this year.   

The report showed that the upward trend in vehicle registrations is expected to continue in the coming months, following the easing of import restrictions.