It said overall car market saw a 0.9% to 267,801 units in the first nine months, boosted by higher sales of commercial vehicles.
Local production reached 196,764 units in the first nine months, up 17.9% on the year, APIA mentioned.
Car exports were up 50.5% on the year to 121,934 units, while imports saw a 5.6% hike to 191,284 units.
Dacia was the top-traded car brand in the first nine months, with 61,850 units (27.7% market share), followed by Skoda – 20,042 units, Renault – 16,115 units, Volkswagen – 16,114 units and Opel – 14, 213 units.