More than one million cars retired: Low Emission Zones and DANA promote scrapping

The Spanish vehicle fleet experienced an unprecedented year in 2024 in terms of vehicle retirements. More than 1.16 million cars were taken off the road, a figure that represents a 27.4% increase compared to the previous year and a record number of vehicles ending up in scrapyards.

This avalanche of retired vehicles is not limited to passenger cars. The total number of end-of-life vehicles, including commercial vehicles and motorcycles, also reached an all-time high, reaching a staggering 1.35 million units. This is revealed by data from the Directorate General of Traffic's Yearbook, compiled by Bipi, a Renault Group company.

There are several interconnected reasons behind this massive phenomenon. The implementation of Low Emission Zones (LEZs) in key cities like Madrid has made it impossible for the most polluting vehicles to access the roads, forcing their owners to seek alternatives.

Added to this is the impact of extreme weather events, such as the Valencian hurricane, which grounded tens of thousands of vehicles. Furthermore, the growing offer of incentives for the purchase of sustainable models has encouraged many owners of aging cars to make the switch to electrification or more efficient alternatives.

The massive vehicle retirement has had a direct impact on Spain's aging vehicle fleet. The DGT (Directorate General of Traffic) indicates that 76.5% of the scrapped passenger cars were 20 years old or more, a figure that underscores the need for renewal in a fleet whose average age exceeds 14.5 years.

Geographically, Madrid led the way in vehicle withdrawals, accounting for 52.4% of the total, followed closely by Andalusia (9.1%) and Catalonia (8.1%). Regarding fuel type, 67.3% of the scrapped vehicles were gasoline, while 32.2% were diesel.

In this context of change, vehicle subscriptions are emerging as an increasingly popular solution among Spaniards who decide to retire their cars. Alejandro Vigaray, co-CEO of Bipi, highlights the rise of this format: "More and more drivers are interested in this format to test electrified models, which can be driven without restrictions." Furthermore, subscriptions allow drivers to change cars periodically, which helps rejuvenate the vehicle fleet and encourage the adoption of more sustainable models.

The record vehicle retirement means thousands of Spaniards are facing a decision about their new mobility. In this context, car subscriptions are emerging as a realistic and flexible option, tailored to each driver's needs and aligned with the growing demand for eco-friendly models. "Over the last year, we've seen a significant increase in demand for eco-friendly models, and for many drivers, we're their first exposure to sustainable cars," concludes Bipi.