Sales of new cars in the Netherlands fell by nearly 2 percent during the first nine months of the year. However, September bucked the trend, with registrations rising by almost 13 percent.
Rules
Industry organisations attribute the September jump to new tax rules set to take effect next year. Under the changes, employers will face significantly higher taxes on company cars with internal combustion engines that are also used privately by employees. Patrick Olgers, chairman of BOVAG Car Dealers, expects demand for hybrids to remain strong in the final months of the year, as employers move to secure vehicles before the new regulations take effect.
Chinese players
Fully electric vehicles continued to gain ground, accounting for nearly 53 percent of all new car sales in September. Chinese brands including BYD, Changan, Chery, Dongfeng, Geely, Jaecoo, Leapmotor, Nio, OMODA, Xpeng, and Zeekr recorded the strongest percentage growth. Alongside electric vehicles, hybrids also proved popular with buyers, while demand for cars powered solely by combustion engines declined. The best-selling brands in September were Toyota, Tesla, Kia, Renault, and Skoda.
@anp | NEWSBRAINPORT
