In August 2023, 27,825 new passenger cars were registered. That is 18.6 percent more than in the same period last year. But this increase is less spectacular than in the previous months. That has its reasons.
Last July the increase was still 30.7 percent and in June 2023 even 38 percent. And now 18.6 percent, a lot less. This is because fewer orders are currently being written, say Bovag and RAI Association, which compile the figures every month.
In addition, many outstanding sales orders were delivered in the previous months, even from 2022. Due to chip shortages and delivery problems, these could not be realized earlier. Now that this catch-up is over, showrooms are full again and growth is less spectacular.
Electric car less popular
What also plays a role is that the consumer keeps his hand on the purse strings. This mainly affects the electric car, according to Bovag and RAI Association. The end of the year is approaching and many consumers are adopting a wait-and-see attitude. After all, what will the government’s future incentive schemes look like? Will there be any nice subsidies or discounts and what are the final plans for road tax from 2026? Nobody knows yet.
Tip
Toyota Aygo X now from just €249 per month
Want to see more of this compact crossover?
Compile your package
Growth continues to decline
Growth is expected to slow down further in the coming months. The Bovag expects a total of approximately 340,000 registrations throughout 2023. That would mean an increase of 9 percent compared to 2022.
The most popular car brand of August 2023 is Kia with 2937 registrations. The top 5 most popular car brands are as follows:
- Come on (2937 registrations)
- Volkswagen (2462)
- Toyota (2454)
- Tesla (1992)
- Peugeot (1618)
The most popular car of August 2023 is not a Kia, but the Tesla Model Y, with 1228 registrations. The top 5 most popular car models are as follows:
- Tesla Model Y (1228 registrations)
- Kia Picanto (1066)
- Peugeot 208 (911)
- Tesla Model 3 (750)
- Kia Niro (681)
Want to stay informed of all market developments? Sign up for our newsletter:
Citroën, Cupra and Mini surrender
Renault (more than 50 percent in the plus) and Tesla (almost 900 percent) are big winners so far. But where there are winners, there are also losers. Citroën for example, which saw registrations plummet from 6451 to 5052 in January-August 2023 compared to the same period a year earlier. Citroën will unveil the new Citroën ë-C3 in mid-October, but before that electric car comes on the market, we will probably be well into the new year.
Cupra also yields (2023 vs: 2022 919-1171), albeit minimally. Mini is also in the minus and went from 4123 to 3597 registrations. But it finally has the new electric Mini unveiledwhich will be launched next year.
Happy and disappointed British
Jaguar sinks even deeper (from 172 to 140 registrations) while Land Rover is on the rise (from 1033 to 2315), mainly thanks to the very expensive Range Rover a Range Rover Sport.
Among the Chinese brands, MG is gaining steam thanks to the MG4, with 3605 registrations (2022: 1024). From the announcement of a compact electric MG in Polo format, which will be on the market as early as 2024, European brands will not be happy. The answer will only come from Europe in 2025, with the Renault 5 and the Cupra Raval. The most popular Chinese model is and remains the Lynk & Co 01 (5635 registrations).
Apart from Citroën, Honda is also not doing too well. While 822 models were still registered in January-August 2022, this year 509 units remain. Fortunately for the dealers, relief troops are on their way with the e:Ny1 and the ZR-V, although you have to dig deep into your pockets.