automotive sector
The number of registrations of electric cars, both new and second-hand, by private individuals more than doubled in Belgium in February compared to the same month last year. In absolute figures, however, the share of electric vehicles remains small.
The Flemish premium for electric cars has had an impact, according to mobility federation Traxio. The premium doubled the number of registrations of electric cars by private individuals in February compared to the same month last year. The doubling applies to both new and second-hand cars.
The vast majority (1,201) of new electric cars were registered in Flanders, which represents a market share of 81.8 percent. Registrations of second-hand electric cars by private individuals in Flanders have increased to the same extent, to 543.
In absolute figures these remain small numbers. A total of 60,355 second-hand cars were registered in February 2023, an increase of 13.5 percent compared to the same month last year. Petrol engines still have a market share of 54.8 percent on the second-hand market, while the share of second-hand diesel cars continues to decline to 31.6 percent. Hybrid and electric cars represent 13 percent.
The number of new car registrations increased by almost 10 percent, to 43,723. Private individuals accounted for more than four in ten of the new registrations in February, 5 percent more than last year. Traxio attributes this trend in new cars to the impact of the salon conditions in January and the return to normal delivery times since the corona crisis.
Just like in January, Volkswagen and BMW were the most sold brands of second-hand passenger cars, ahead of Mercedes, Opel and Peugeot. The most popular models remain the VW Golf (2,348), VW Polo (1,821), the Opel Corsa (1,714) and the BMW 3 Series (1,355). (blg)
