PHNOM Penh car dealers saw new car sales increase up to 15 percent quarter-on-quarter for the three months to September 30, with buyers increasingly preferring brand-new cars over secondhand ones.

Long Narith, managing director of Naritat Motorcare Cambodia Co Ltd, which imports Nissan, said sales from July to September increased between 10 and 15 percent quarter on quarter and about 10 percent compared to the same period last year.

“People are becoming more fond of new cars because they’re thinking about the quality and safety,” he said.

Horn Seam, assistant to the director at the capital’s SsangYong Motor, said sales grew about 10 percent over the last quarter which he attributed to the improving incomes.

Chanchal Singh, Auto Sales (Cambodia) facility manager, said competition was tight.

“These days the market is booming. There is more competition day by day – but that’s good for the end user,” he said.