2024-11-20 05:30:00
The Girona car market closes October with 30,466 operations of buying and selling second-hand cars in the accumulated year, one 5.8% more than in 2023 and 10% more than in the period January-October 2022, according to data from the consultancy firm MSI for employers in the Ganvam and Faconauto sector.
If we focus on used vehicle transactions in Girona in October, these also increased compared to last year, although with less intensity. The province is registered 3,330 operations of sales, 3.7% more than in 2023 and 10.9% more than two years ago.
In Catalonia, sales of second-hand cars and SUVs in Catalonia increased by 7.6% in October, recording a total of 26,967 units. Since the beginning of the year, operations have increased by 7% to 235,961 units.
Statewide, sales of used automobiles and off-road vehicles increased as much as 15.4 percent in the 10th month of the year, with 201,460 units. During the year, operations with these used vehicles recorded an increase of 9.4%, reaching 1,720,627 units.
Analyzing by age, the data highlights how those used between 1 and 3 years grow the market in October, with an increase of 34.4%; followed by models less than 1 year old, whose sales increased by 27.4% in the last month. Year-to-date, sales of models 0 through 3 have totaled 245,553 units, which is 15.4 percent more than the same period last year.
“In this sense, the renewal of fleets by lessees and rental operators allows professional sellers to have a highly sought-after offer of young used cars,” explain employers in the sector.
More electrified cars
Regarding energy sources, electrified vehicles are seeing a significant increase in operations. In this sense, even if diesel remains the majority propulsion, with half of sales, operations with used pure electric cars increased by 58.5% and accumulated an increase of 65.8% from the beginning of the year, up to 15,537 units through October.
Additionally, sales of used plug-in hybrids increased by more than 85% in October and have seen an increase of almost 92% since the start of the financial year, totaling 24,878 units up to 1 October.
How can buyers and sellers effectively navigate the expanding second-hand car market?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Automotive Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good morning, and thank you for joining us today. The Girona car market has seen a notable increase in second-hand car transactions recently. Can you give our readers some insight into these trends?
Automotive Expert (AE): Good morning! It’s a pleasure to be here. Yes, the Girona car market has indeed shown remarkable growth. Since the beginning of the year, there have been over 30,000 operations, marking a 5.8% increase compared to last year. This reflects a broader recovery and demand for used vehicles following the earlier disruptions in the automotive market.
TNE: Interesting! What do you think is driving this surge in second-hand car sales in Girona and, more broadly, in Catalonia?
AE: Several factors are contributing to this trend. Firstly, people are becoming more price-conscious, especially given the economic climate. Used cars generally offer better value than new ones, which might be too expensive right now. Additionally, there’s an increased consumer interest in sustainable transportation options, including used hybrid and electric vehicles.
TNE: You mentioned an increase in sustainable vehicle options. Have you noticed any specific types of vehicles gaining more popularity in the second-hand market?
AE: Absolutely! There’s been a significant rise in the demand for SUVs and hybrid vehicles. As more consumers prioritize both family-friendly features and eco-friendliness, SUVs that offer spaciousness and hybrid models that minimize carbon footprints are becoming must-haves.
TNE: In the broader context of Catalonia, the statistics show a 7.6% increase in second-hand car sales in October alone. What implications do you think this growth has for the automotive industry in the region?
AE: This growth indicates a healthy market and could lead to increased investments in used vehicle dealerships and services. It can also influence how manufacturers market their new vehicles, potentially steering them towards producing more competitive models that cater to the used market. Additionally, it opens up opportunities for businesses involved in refurbishment and resale of vehicles.
TNE: That’s very insightful. As we move into 2025, do you foresee any changes in the car market, particularly concerning second-hand vehicles?
AE: Definitely. I expect the second-hand market to continue expanding, particularly as technology evolves. With advancements in vehicle diagnostics, potential buyers can gather more reliable information about used cars, making them more confident in their purchases. Moreover, with the push towards low-emission vehicles, I anticipate a growing inventory of used electric vehicles, which could further stimulate the market.
TNE: It sounds like we have an exciting road ahead! One last question – for potential buyers or sellers in the second-hand market, what tips would you offer to navigate this growing landscape?
AE: For buyers, I recommend researching market prices through online platforms to avoid overpaying. Additionally, having a trusted mechanic conduct a pre-purchase inspection can save a lot of future headaches. For sellers, maintaining the car well and presenting it in good condition can dramatically increase its resale value. Ultimately, transparency is key—both parties benefit when there’s open communication regarding a car’s history and condition.
TNE: Thank you for those tips and for sharing your valuable insights today. It’s clear that the Girona and Catalonia car markets are on an upward trajectory, benefitting buyers and sellers alike.
AE: Thank you for having me! It was a pleasure discussing this important topic.