Used car imports are recovering – the popularity of hybrid models is growing the fastest

Imports of used cars in the first half of this year increased after falling in 2020. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, imports of used cars grew for many years, and peaked in 2019 year. Then almost 46,000 cars were brought to Finland.

In January-June 2021, a total of 21,000 used cars were brought to Finland, which is 1,000 more than a year earlier.

Executive Director of the Central Union of the Automotive Industry Pekka Rissa believes that used car imports will reach 2019 levels this year.

– People travel around the country and try to avoid public transport, Riesa explains.

Diesel cars, despite their bad reputation, rank first

Imports of diesel vehicles have declined even from last year, which explains the debate on climate issues in society. Nevertheless, they retained the first place among used cars imported to Finland. In the first half of this year, 8,256 diesel cars were imported to Finland, which is 741 less than in January-June last year.

Imports of cars with gasoline engines also decreased, but they also retained second place in the popularity list. In the first six months of this year, 5,661 such cars were brought to the country, that is, 722 less.

The number of hybrid models brought to the country has grown a third, to 5,590 (+2035). In March and May, more hybrids were imported into the country than cars with a gasoline engine.

Riesa predicts that diesel cars will retain their lead this year, but which type of car will be in second place, he finds it difficult to predict.

– Finland is gradually moving towards rechargeable cars. Infrastructure for electric vehicles is evolving, he notes.

The most popular brands of imported used cars for several years have been Mercedes-Benz, Volvo and BMW. Among the most popular rechargeable vehicles are Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen and BMW.