Spanish car registrations rose 10.2% in September as electric models took 34% of passenger market

September sales surge and subsidy demand

September 2026 marked the highest passenger car sales volume for the month in Spain in 20 years, with 93,858 units registered, an increase of 10.2% compared to September 2025. Electrified passenger cars (pure electric and plug-in hybrids) accounted for 31,945 units, representing 34% of the passenger market and rising 56% year-on-year. The increase coincided with the opening of applications for the government Plan Auto+ purchase program, which allocated 350 million euros to individual buyers, alongside 50 million euros made available on 1 October for businesses and self-employed workers. Private households accounted for 65% of all electrified vehicle purchases during the month.

That means the aid is reaching citizens. To this we must add greater competition, more products, which is normalizing electrification in dealerships and, in the background, an energy crisis that is pulling many citizens toward these new technologies.

Electric models lead monthly sales rankings

For the first time in the Spanish market, a pure electric vehicle, the Tesla Model 3, was the single best-selling car model in a month, finishing ahead of combustion competitors. The Seat Ibiza placed second with 2,183 units (a 23.6% increase), while the Dacia Sandero took third place with 2,157 deliveries (a 37.5% drop). Across all vehicle categories, including commercial and industrial transport, electrified sales totaled 33,963 units in September, rising 52.8% year-on-year to capture 30% of the overall market for the first time. Between January and September 2026, cumulative pure electric deliveries reached 112,173 units, while plug-in hybrids reached 124,279 units.

Chinese manufacturers overtake European rivals

Data from the manufacturers association Anfac showed Chinese brands gaining market share over legacy European manufacturers. MG, owned by the SAIC group, registered 34,398 vehicle deliveries through September, while BYD recorded 34,384 deliveries over the same nine-month period, trailing MG by 14 units. Both brands surpassed German automaker Audi, which delivered 33,074 vehicles. BMW recorded 36,591 sales, and Mercedes-Benz led German luxury brands with 39,402 units. Other established manufacturers recorded declines: Citroën dropped 2.7% to 26,321 units, Nissan fell 12.9% to 23,322 units, and Ford fell 30.8% to 15,902 units, while Opel increased 11.2% to 22,617 units.

Financial strains and aging vehicle fleet

Despite higher registrations, consumer survey data shows growing economic pressure on Spanish car owners. An OpinionWay barometer prepared for Aramis Group reported that 50% of Spaniards identify their car as their largest household expense, ahead of housing and food. Spain's vehicle fleet averages nearly 15 years of age, which contributes to higher fuel usage, rising insurance premiums, and recurring maintenance expenses. As a result, 36% of Spanish drivers admitted to postponing non-urgent vehicle maintenance due to cost, six percentage points above the European average.

We see how many parents continue taking their children to school in vehicles over 15 years old, taking on a higher risk of breakdowns and costs that are difficult to manage.

Secondary market shifts toward pre-owned cars

With average new car prices exceeding 40,000 euros and new electrified models averaging over 45,000 euros, buyers have shifted toward used alternatives. In August 2026, second-hand passenger car sales grew 6.1% to 155,532 units according to Ganvam data, bringing the 2026 cumulative total to nearly 1.45 million units. In Spain, 1.5 used cars are sold for every single new vehicle registered. Pre-owned models aged between one and five years account for one out of every four used vehicle transactions, offering an alternative to older vehicles without the cost of new models.