As 2025 comes to an end, the Belgian car market reflects a year of transition rather than acceleration. Between slower new-car sales, rapid fleet electrification, and a booming used-car market, the landscape is evolving — but not evenly.

Overall Market Performance

The Belgian new-car market continued its downward correction in 2025. Registrations declined year-on-year, driven largely by reduced fleet renewals, economic caution among private buyers, and ongoing uncertainty around electrification policies.

Electrification: Growth With Friction

Fleet-Driven EV Growth

• Company cars continued to drive EV adoption through tax incentives
• Electric and hybrid vehicles represented more than half of new registrations
• BEVs reached record-high market share

Private Buyers Still Hesitant

Despite strong policy support, private buyers remain cautious due to high upfront costs, charging infrastructure concerns, and resale uncertainty. Petrol and hybrid vehicles remain popular choices.

Used Cars: The Market’s Real Winner

The used-car market emerged as one of the strongest performers of 2025. Buyers prioritized affordability, transparency, and immediate availability, making second-hand vehicles the default smart choice.

• Highest used-car registrations in years
• Strong demand from younger and first-time buyers
• Growing interest in young used EVs and hybrids

Brand & Segment Shifts

Brands That Gained

• Premium brands maintained strong fleet positioning
• Challenger and Chinese brands gained traction through pricing
• Increased competition in electrified segments

Brands Under Pressure

• Some traditional mass-market brands lost share
• Tesla registrations declined year-on-year
• Brand loyalty weakened in favor of comparison-driven decisions

Policy & Regulation Impact

Belgium’s car market remains highly policy-driven. Company-car tax incentives, low-emission zones, and upcoming changes to deductions after 2026 shaped buying behavior and encouraged a wait-and-see mindset.

What to Watch in 2026

• Whether private EV adoption accelerates or stalls
• Continued expansion of the used-car market
• Rising demand for transparency, pricing clarity, and vehicle insights

Conclusion

2025 was a year of recalibration rather than growth. The Belgian car market is becoming more electrified, more price-conscious, and more transparency-driven.

At Carnet, we believe the future of car trading lies in clarity, insight, and confidence — and 2025 made that clearer than ever.