Does the month of July 2025 mark a turning point on the Belgian market for new cars? A long time undisputed leader, BMW has just given up his first place to Volkswagen. The manufacturer of Wolfsburg recorded 3,295 registrations against 2,973 for the Bavarian. This reversal was progressive: last May, Volkswagen had exceeded BMW of 44 units while in June, the German premium had only won from one head with … 9 cars in advance (3,999 cars against 3,990 for VW).
Over the whole year, BMW however retains its advantage with a positive differential of 3,600 units. But this Volkswagen reporta in the summer of summer raises questions: are we witnessing a paradigm shift in the preferences of motorists and business fleets in Belgium?
A global market still in decline
Paradoxically, July 2025 is the best month of the year for the Belgian automotive market. If registrations are still down compared to July 2024, The contraction is only -1.7%a less alarming decline than the -16.4% of the previous month. Christophe Dubon, director of communication at FEBIAC, sees it as a positive signal.
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Since January, 266,229 new vehicles have been registered, a decrease in -9,9% compared to 2024. private customers market is increasing +4.9%, which contrasts with that of professionals who accuses a decline of -19.3%. However, the fleets still represent 57% of July’s registrations -a record over the year -with a decline limited to -7.4% (against -20.9% in June).
Dacia, Renault and Hyundai in outsiders
Behind this Germano-Germanic duel, other manufacturers score points. Dacia displays a spectacular flight of +71.49% in July and Renault an increase of +21.94%. Mercedes is also one of the only players to display green, even if the progression is modest: +2.04%.
Hyundai Also draws well with an increase of +98.98% in July which allows the manufacturer to reduce its annual decline (-10.48%). Ford (+56.62%), Opel (+52.47%) and Nissan (+63.14%) also experienced a marked revival. And what are the losers ? Peugeot (-21.28%), Toyota (-13.69%), Skoda (-4.4%) and, above all, Volvo (-36,17%).
Chinese brands are climbing
We also note that the rise of Chinese manufacturers continues, even if it is done in a rather contrasting way. BYD records an increase in +94,97% in July (388 units). But it is above all the new entrants that impress: XPeng explode with +478,95% In July, +1.478.72% over the year with 742 registrations, a score much higher than that of the 231 units of 2024. Leapmotor (450 units against 85 in 2024) and JAECOO (272 against 0) also assert themselves. Smart, with 304 registered vehicles, also confirms a certain resurgence.
Et Tesla ? Apparently, the American brand continues to suffer With only 460 registrations, a drop of -57.52% over the month and -55.70% since January. This decline also explains why Tesla decided to no longer sell its models and x in Europe and concentrate its efforts and expenses (imports, storage, etc.) on more popular models.
We will have to see whether or not the market is relying in 2025. The chances are slim. At the start of the year, some experts estimated the Belgian automotive market at 475,000 units this year. But the decrease continues and it will undoubtedly have to deal in the longer term with a total total volume rotating no doubt more around 400,000-420,000 vehicles. To be checked in the coming months.
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