The number of used car registrations fell slightly in the first six months of the year compared with last year (-3.6%) and the year before (-2.8%). “What stands out in this regard is the yo-yo effect, month after month,” explains Filip Rylant, spokesperson for mobility federation Traxio.
Geopolitical tensions, in particular, appear to be affecting the purchasing process, leading to uncertainty among professional and private customers. The latter are looking for good deals more than ever and are thoroughly informing themselves.
It is also striking that an increasing number of private buyers are being drawn to electric cars, whether new or used. On the used-car market, EVs now account for just under 6% of the total – a significant increase compared to the 3.9% recorded in 2025.
Private individuals
Incidentally, the second-hand market remains the domain of private individuals: their share of used car registrations stands at a staggering 91.1%. Companies rarely close deals on the second-hand market, except for used electric cars.
In the used car market, gasoline engines remain the most popular choice (55.7%), ahead of diesel (22.7%), hybrid (15.2%), and electric cars (5.9%). Companies rarely close deals on the second-hand market, except for used electric cars.
Hybrid
By ‘hybrid’, we mean all types of electrified vehicles featuring an internal combustion engine and electric assistance, including standard hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and mild hybrids.
It is true that hybrid and electric vehicles have only recently entered the new-car market, meaning their share of the used-car market is currently limited; however, this share will grow month by month as their numbers increase within the overall market.
VW and BMW
Meanwhile, the average age of used-car registrations continues to rise – it has now surpassed the 10-year mark. The median age of used-vehicle registrations now stands at eight years for the first time.
Volkswagen was the best-selling used car brand this year, ahead of BMW, Mercedes, Peugeot, and Opel. The most popular models are the VW Golf (14,066), the VW Polo (10,159), the Opel Corsa (8,839), the BMW 3 Series (7,780), and the BMW 1 Series (6,927).
Flanders is the largest region in terms of used passenger car registrations, accounting for 55.3%, while Wallonia accounts for 36.4% and Brussels for 8.3%.
New cars
New car registrations performed slightly less well (-1.7%) in the first half of 2026 than last year, with 230,681 registrations. When looking at total registrations of new and used cars, the used-car market accounts for 61% of the total.
Some notable findings from the sector:
“The Brussels Motor Show was a success, but potential customers weigh up all the options online before making a decision. During and after the Motor Show period, we saw a clear increase in both showroom visits and sales. Consumers actively seek out the best deal: they compare options thoroughly and, once convinced, often make a quick decision.”
“Demand for electric cars is rising among private customers, particularly for those with a range of 400 km or more. Moreover, the range of compact electric vehicles offering such mileage continues to grow, and prices are becoming increasingly competitive.”
“It is striking, after all, that the war involving Iran is increasingly prompting private customers to consider and purchase electric vehicles, including used ones.”
