Used car sales rose in the first half of 2025. A total of more than one million used cars (1,079,516). This represents an increase of 4.2% compared to the same period a year earlier. A notable development is the export of electric vehicles (EVs), which rose by a whopping 116.6%.
This is according to figures from BOVAG and RDC. A total of 705,953 used cars were sold to consumers by car companies. 373,563 used cars were traded by private individuals. "Used cars remain as popular as ever. New cars are becoming increasingly expensive, so many people consciously opt for young used," says Gerard Ten Buuren, chairman BOVAG Onafhankelijk Autobedrijven.
Growth in used EV sales levelling off
Used EV sales increased in the first half of 2025. 45,726 used EVs changed hands, which is 14.1% more than a year earlier (40,082). However, growth is levelling off and is significantly lower than the same period a year earlier, when the number of used EVs sold still increased by 51% from 26,567 in the first half of 2023 to 40,082 in the first half of 2024.
EVs thus rank fourth in terms of occasion sales in the first half of 2025. By far the majority of used cars sold are petrol cars (795,880 units). Hybrid models follow at a considerable distance with 164,057 units. In addition, 62,053 used diesel cars changed hands. EVs follow with 45,726 units, while 10,317 LPG used cars changed hands.
EV exports rise sharply
Looking at vehicle imports and exports, it is notable that EV exports have risen sharply. Whereas a total of 9,074 EVs were exported in the first half of 2024, the same period this year sees 19,655 units. The Tesla Model 3 (5,915), Kia Niro (1,428), Hyundai Kona (1,169) and Audi E-tron (1,017) are the most exported EVs.
This now puts EVs in third place in terms of export volume, after petrol (75,576) and diesel (50,376). The number of hybrid vehicles exported came to 10,225 units. Total used car exports rose 17.1% in the first half of 2025. A total of 158,119 cars crossed the border, up from 135,038 a year earlier.
BOVAG puts the cause of rising EV exports down to government policy. Ten Buuren: "We see that more and more used EVs are crossing the border. As long as the policy remains uncertain, many consumers are postponing their purchase. Clear, long-term agreements on car taxes are needed to give confidence in used electric driving."
Imports up slightly
Imports of used passenger cars increased by 6.8% in the first half of 2025. A total of 153,808 were imported, up from 143,997 a year earlier. In particular, petrol cars (69,518) and hybrid vehicles (69,153) were imported into the Netherlands. In addition, 8,899 used diesel vehicles and 5,637 used EVs were registered in the Netherlands.
The top five models among consumer to consumer (CtC) transactions are as follows
- Volkswagen Golf (16,489 registrations, 2.2% market share)
- Volkswagen Polo (15,693 registrations, 2.1% market share)
- Opel Corsa (9,143 registrations, 1.2% market share)
- Toyota Aygo (7,208 registrations, 1.0% market share)
- BMW 3-series (6,768 registrations, 0.9% market share)
The top five models delivered to consumers by car companies:
- Volkswagen Polo (20,041 registrations, 1.4% market share)
- Volkswagen Golf (18,960 registrations, 1.3% market share)
- Opel Corsa (13,222 registrations, 0.9% market share)
- Ford Focus (11,986 registrations, 0.8% market share)
- Ford Fiesta (11,365 registrations, 0.8% market share)
The top five used EVs sold consist of the following models:
- Tesla Model 3 (6,878 registrations, 7.5% market share)
- Audi E-tron (2,237 registrations, 2.4% market share)
- Volkswagen ID.3 (1,840 registrations, 2.0% market share)
- Kia Niro (1,697 registrations, 1.9% market share)
- Hyundai Kona (1,386 registrations, 1.5% market share)
