Begbilsrapport 2024: Strong growth in the market – electric cars and plug-in hybrids at the top

In 2024, almost 50,000 more used cars were sold than in the previous year. Sales of electric cars increased significantly, reaching almost seven percent of the total market in the fourth quarter.

In the fourth quarter of 2024, 304,708 used cars were sold across the car trade, private market and companies, an increase of 6.6 percent compared to the same period last year. This is the first time in three years that the fourth quarter has exceeded 300,000 vehicles sold.

A total of 1,246,907 used cars were sold during the year, which corresponds to an increase of 49,098 vehicles or 4.1 percent compared to 2023.

– In 2024, the used car market recovered, and sales are now back to normal levels. This is in stark contrast to the new car market, where new registrations unfortunately reached the lowest level in ten years. High interest rates and a recession have, after the initial shock, benefited the used car market. When the economy is strained, more people choose to switch to a used car, says Daniel Odsberg, Sales Manager at Kvdbil .

Electrified cars are driving the increase

In 2024, sales of electric cars increased by 38,543 vehicles to a total of 63,919, an increase of 65.8 percent. Plug-in hybrids also saw a sharp increase with 57,437 vehicles sold (+48.1%) to a total of 85,079. At the same time, sales of petrol cars decreased by 16,074 vehicles (-2.6%) and diesel cars by 8,612 vehicles (-2.3%).

“Every seventh car sold on the used market today is an electric car or plug-in hybrid. This is a clear sign that consumer preferences are changing, with electrified vehicles becoming increasingly sought after thanks to technological maturity and falling prices,” says Daniel Odsberg and continues:

– At the same time, we see that the low new sales of electric cars and plug-in hybrids risk affecting the availability of used models in the future, which could slow down the positive trend. To meet demand and drive the transition, new sales need to pick up.

Sweden's best-selling used car

The Volkswagen Golf was the best-selling used car in Sweden this year with 54,265 units. The Volvo V70 was close behind (53,778) and the Volkswagen Passat came in third place (40,550).

Sales statistics for the passenger car market, Q4 2024

About the compilation

Kvdbil 's statistics on used car purchases in Sweden are obtained from the Swedish Vehicle Registry via the statistics company Vroom.