Understand market dynamics. Secure margins.
The European B2B used car market is undergoing structural change. New registrations are declining, while used car volumes are growing—and the rules for margins and liquidity are being redefined. In CarOnSale INSIGHTS, we dive deep into the data—we analyze market dynamics, segment trends, pricing behavior, bidding patterns, and the mechanisms of successful remarketing across 26 European markets.
Not just a trend overview. But a data-driven analysis of what really drives the market.
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Here's what you can expect in the white paper
Real data. Tangible benefits
Market Overview
New registrations fell by 4.7% in 2025, while transfers of ownership rose by 1.1%—the market is growing, but that growth is coming from the used-car segment.
Drive conversion
Electric vehicles now account for 19% of new registrations, but their prices fluctuate significantly on the secondary market. Hybrids are proving to be much more stable—and the data shows exactly why.
Segment dynamics
Not all segments perform the same. Find out which model segments sell the fastest, which attract the most bids, and why listing volume alone doesn't tell the whole story about how quickly items sell.
Pricing Intelligence
The correct minimum price isn't a fixed number—it's a market signal. Understand how pricing decisions directly influence demand, holding periods, and auction results.
Remarketing Mechanics
78% of all sales are closed in the first auction round. What happens to the remaining 22%? The data shows how active account management saves deals that would otherwise be lost.
European market logic
The average time a VW Golf spends in stock ranges from 72 days in France to 105 days in Germany. Europe is not a homogeneous market—and anyone who treats it as such will lose profit margins.
Key data points from the white paper
New car registrations are falling — but demand for used cars is rising
The gap between the new and used car markets continues to widen. For dealers, this means that competition for the right vehicles is intensifying—but it also means greater potential for those who can market their inventory more quickly and effectively.
Source: Federal Motor Transport Authority / CarOnSale Analytics
Hybrids dominate auctions — the price data speaks for itself
Hybrid models consistently outperform all other types of powertrains in the auction market—they sell at a significantly lower discount to the listed price. This is no coincidence. It reflects buyer confidence, price stability, and the commercial appeal of hybrids during the current transition phase. For dealers pricing used vehicles, this data point fundamentally changes their calculations.
Source: CarOnSale Analytics
If a car doesn't find a buyer, what happens next determines the return
The data is clear: a platform that ends with an auction leaves a significant amount of value on the table. CarOnSale doesn't end with the auction.
Source: CarOnSale platform data
Europe is not a single market. Those who understand regional dynamics achieve better results more quickly
Who is this white paper intended for?
This report is intended for everyone who holds a position of responsibility in the used car market—and whose decisions directly impact speed, liquidity, and margins.
Retailers who want to reduce inventory turnover time, lower capital tied up in inventory, and actively manage margins
Fleet and leasing teams that must manage the transition to new powertrains and control risks
OEM remarketing and captive finance teams that secure residual values and refine marketing strategies
Automotive investors who rely on reliable transaction data—not estimates
Those active in the European B2B used car market will find the data they need here to make better decisions.
Ready for a comprehensive analysis?
Download CarOnSale INSIGHTS to gain insights into current market dynamics, price trends, and key perspectives from the used car market.
The team behind the data
Every day, our experts analyze relevant market data from the European used-car market—and turn it into actionable insights for dealers.
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Published on April 16, 2026.
15 pages of insights into market dynamics, price trends, and outlooks for the used car market—based on data, analysis, and interviews with industry experts.
