In 2024, Spain has achieved a goal that it had been pursuing for years: exceeding one million new passenger car registrationsSpecifically, there have been recorded 1.016.885 units, an increase of 7,1% compared to the previous year, reversing the declines of past years caused by the pandemic and other crises. This figure marks the first time since 2019 the domestic market reaches this figure, a significant achievement for the automotive industry.
The final push came from an excellent month of December, a period that traditionally closes strongly but which in 2024 was exceptional. In that month alone, XNUMX students were enrolled 105.346 vehicles, which meant an increase of 28,8% compared to December 2023, according to data provided by the main employers' associations in the sector: Anfac, Faconauto and Ganvam. This push was key to breaking the million barrier. Of course, it must be taken into account that many of these units were sold due to the fatality of the DANA in Valencia...
The market has not only shown recovery, but also changes in consumer preferences. Non-plug-in hybrid vehicles have established themselves as the main choice, representing the 38,6% of total sales, with 392.365 units registered, a tremendous growth of 29,5% compared to the previous year. In contrast, diesel-powered models fell by 18,8%, while gasoline prices also fell, although more moderately, with a drop of 2,3%.
Where are the electric cars?
Despite efforts to promote the transition towards more sustainable mobility, the electric vehicle market in Spain continues to show certain difficulties. Fully electric cars account for only 5,36% of total registrations, while plug-in hybrids reach a 4,88%. Together, these categories add up to a 11,4% of the market, a figure slightly lower than that of the previous year.
From the sector, employers' associations warn that this slow adoption could make it difficult to meet the decarbonisation targets set by the European Union. According to spokespersons for the employers' associations, it will be essential that electric vehicle registrations represent at least one 25% in the coming years to avoid sanctions and achieve environmental goals.
A market led by Toyota and the Dacia Sandero
Among the most outstanding brands of the year, Toyota emerged as the undisputed leader, with a total of 95.614 units sold, which represents a growth of 19,7% compared to 2023. They were followed by Volkswagen with 66.905 units y Seat with 65.299, which managed to regain third place after falling to fifth place the previous year. As for the best-selling models, the Dacia Sandero once again led the Spanish market for the second consecutive year, accumulating 32.994 registrations, 18% more than in 2023.
Segments and changes in market behavior
While city cars had a 30,6% drop In terms of sales, SUVs and larger vehicles experienced significant growth. These figures reflect a shift in consumer preferences towards more spacious and versatile models. There is also great dynamism in the rental channel, which grew by 1.8% 36,8% with 186.126 units registered, closely related to the recovery of the tourism sector in the country. For its part, sales to individuals increased by a solid 8,9%, while the business channel registered a slight decline in 5,1%.
Emissions growth and future challenges
On the environmental front, the average carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of new passenger cars sold in 2024 were moderately lower than in 2023, standing at 116,4 grams per kilometer traveledHowever, the sector needs to do more to comply with European regulations that will set a limit on 93,6 grams per kilometre from 2025.
Spokesmen for the sector, such as Félix García of Anfac, insist that maintaining aid plans such as the MOVES will be essential to further encourage the adoption of electrified vehicles. Likewise, Faconauto points out that the growth recorded in the last quarter of 2024 has been key to reviving sales, but stresses that there is still a lot of work to be done, especially in charging infrastructure and citizen awareness.
There is still a long way to go for Spain to match other European countries in sustainable mobility, but the good results for 2024 are an incentive to look to the future with a certain optimism.
Images | Toyota, MG and Dacia