Vehicle importer Carasso Motors, managed by CEO Itzik Weitz, recorded a 15% increase in first-half profits for 2026, with revenue climbing to approximately NIS 4.7 billion.
The robust H1 growth stems from an expansion across all of the group's core activities, alongside the first-time financial consolidation of Metro Motor, completed during 2025.
In the second quarter, revenue totaled approximately NIS 2.1 billion - holding steady compared to the corresponding period last year. While quarterly automotive segment revenue was impacted by the ongoing effects of the regional conflict, these losses were offset by gains across all other business segments.
Carasso's sales figures and market position strengthened significantly over the period:
- H1 Vehicle Sales: 32,567 units sold - an increase of approximately 36.2%.
- Q2 Vehicle Sales: 14,571 units sold - a rise of around 5.3%.
- Market Share: Delivery share climbed to 16.8% in Q2, up from 14.6% in the corresponding period last year.
- Leasing Segment: First-half revenue grew by about 12.5% to approximately NIS 959.4 million.
Management highlighted the results as a significant achievement given the broader war-related challenges and an overall market downturn in vehicle sales.
Financial performance was reinforced by strategic investments in core growth drivers. These included opening new showrooms, launching Chery brand operations in Europe, and expanding mortgage services, alongside absorbing full operating expenses for Metro Motor.
The semi-annual balance sheet also accounted for one-time items totaling approximately NIS 32.2 million, resulting from an impairment of investments and a financial penalty.
Carasso's total equity currently totals NIS 2.3 billion. Following the strong results, a dividend distribution of NIS 180 million was approved in August. Additionally, the company received the Transport Ministry approval in July to extend its import license for Chery vehicles through June 2030.