A demand for cars that is slow and with an expected “gradual and irregular” recovery. With the majority of car purchases concentrated on internal combustion cars, followed by hybrids and electrics, but overall predominantly used cars, “in the face of fears of a rapid depreciation” of the new species among higher income groups, and of “limited access to affordable financing” among those with lower incomes. This is the analysis that emerges from an ECB study, based on the usual Frankfurt survey on consumer expectations, which will be published in the economic bulletin tomorrow.
“The majority of respondents to the July 2025 survey had no plans to purchase a car in the next 12 months, due to economic and financial uncertainties and with a preference for alternative modes of transport among the factors at play, especially for low-income families,” the report reads. «Although demand for hybrid cars is expected to increase, interest in 100% electric cars remains limited». The situation of “high economic and financial uncertainty – we read in the document – suggests that the recovery in car demand will be gradual and irregular, with the adoption of electric cars continuing at a slow pace”.