confined under the million units

December closed with 73,927 units of new cars sold, much worse than the previous year, -14.1% less. Thus, the year closed with just 813,396 units sold during 2022, with a drop of 5.4% compared to the previous year. If we compare with the data prior to the pandemic, the drop is 35% compared to 2019.

The year 2022 was very complicated. When it was expected to gradually solve the component crisis, the war in Ukraine arrived, which only made things more complicated. Added to the imbalance in the production of microchips was the increase in energy costs, which brought inflation and rises in interest rates. In countries like Spain, where car financing is vital, this ends up subtracting many sales.

Regarding channels, individuals are less and less important in total sales. They are the hardest hit by circumstances, although the drop is not very large compared to the previous year. Companies, with leasing gaining importance, managed to increase by 4.1% and almost reach the total volume of the private market. great fall of rent a carhighly affected by availability.

Looking on the positive side, emissions from new cars sold have been reduced by 3.1% compared to the previous year, with an average of 120.4 grams of CO2 per kilometer travelled.

In 2022, the registrations of light commercial vehicles also fell by 21.3% (decreases of 31% and 38.6% in sales to the self-employed and renters, respectively) and those of industrial vehicles, buses, grew 13.8. With 25,911 units, they are the only car market that achieves an annual increase.

The manufacturers indicate that they are again below the forecasts. It remains for 2023 to attempt the assault on the border of 900,000 units. “Everything will depend on whether the conflict in Ukraine ends and the logistics chain is normalized so that more new vehicles can be delivered,” they indicate. It will help promote fast charging points and direct aid for electrified vehicles. The concessions, represented by Faconauto, point to “the persistent bottlenecks in the supply of vehicles, which has greatly conditioned the activity of the dealers.” In addition, the rise in the price of fuel and of the vehicles themselves have had a negative influence.

Facing 2023, they handle two scenarios: “a bare growth of 5%, that is, 870,000 units, to which an additional 10% would have to be added if the bottlenecks in production are solved, with which we would go to 960,000 units”. Both figures below the pre-pandemic numbers. From Ganvam they point out that it is the third negative year in a row: “the lack of supply has made a dent in the market and everything points to the fact that, although with less intensity, it will continue to do so in 2023.” Furthermore, the pace of electrification has not yet reached cruising speed.

Best selling makes and models

The list of best-selling brands in Spain in 2022 shows that Asian manufacturers have fared much better than Europeans, traditional dominators of the national market. A) Yes, Toyota is the best-selling brand, ahead of kia Y Hyundai. Volkswagen settles for fourth place, followed by Peugeot and Seat.

Regarding the best-selling models of the year, the Hyundai Tucson is the favorite in the Spanish market, ahead of the Dacia Sandero. The third position is for the Seat Arona, which had led the market last year.

Highlight the good result of the Toyota Corolla, especially when its renewal arrives during 2023, which brings a fourth body, the Corolla Cross. It shows that conventional hybrids are a clear market bet in these uncertain times in which there are not enough places to plug in. And speaking of plugs, good results for the Fiat 500, with its electric variant featured in sales.

Sources: Anfac, Faconauto, Ganvam