Spain consolidates its domestic market by exceeding one million registrations in 2025 with a growth of 12,9%, however, the manufacturing industry suffers a contraction of 4,3% hampered by exports and the slow deployment of the electrified vehicle compared to Asian manufacturers.
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In April 2026, the car market in España registers a sales growth of 12,9%, leading EuropaHowever, production falls by 4,3% and exports decline due to strong competition from China and the delay in the transition to electric vehicles.
Market and production: divergent trends in the Spanish industry
The automotive market in España has shown remarkable strength in domestic consumption during the last fiscal year. According to data from Asociación Europea de Fabricantes de Automóviles (ACEA), in 2025 they were marketed 1.148.650 unitsThis represents a 12,9% increase compared to the previous year. This milestone marks the second consecutive year that registrations have exceeded one million, with an upward trend that has continued into the first months of 2026, registering a cumulative growth of 4,6% through February.
However, activity at Spanish assembly plants presents a different picture. Total production in 2025 fell to 2.274.026 units4,3% less than in 2024. Passenger cars have been the most affected segment with a drop of 5,7%. According to the Asociación Española de Fabricantes de Automóviles y Camiones (ANFAC), current production is 19,4% below pre-pandemic levels in 2019, and data for 2026 confirm this negative trend with an additional decline of 5,1% in the first two months.
| Sector Indicator (2025) | Figure / Units | Variation vs 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle sales in España | 1.148.650 | + 12,9% |
| Total production in Spanish plants | 2.274.026 | 4,3 % OFF |
| Tourism production | 1.819.331 | 5,7 % OFF |
| Vehicle exports | 85,8% of production | 8,2 % OFF |
| Sales of vehicles of Chinese origin | 115.483 | + 140% |
The impact of exports and global competitiveness
The main cause of this decline in production lies in the external sector. Exports, which represent the 85,8% of total production Production from Spanish factories fell by 8,2% in 2025. The beginning of 2026 shows no signs of improvement, with a cumulative decline of 5,1% through February. Compared to 2019, the volume of vehicles exported has decreased by 18%.
Iñaki Ballesteros, Coordinator of Analysts Northern Zone of Solunion EspañaNotes that “While it is true that the main destination markets for Spanish exports present a complicated picture, it is clear that Spanish industry is losing competitiveness, especially in the hybrid and electric segments.”This situation is exacerbated by the drop in registrations in key markets such as Francia (-5%) And Italia (-2,1%).
The rise of China and the challenge of electrification
The global market is undergoing a profound transformation with the arrival of manufacturers (OEMChinese. In España, vehicle registrations manufactured in China They reached 115.483 units in 2025, capturing a 10% market share. What is most alarming for the traditional industry is the speed of this advance: sales of Chinese models grew by 140% in a single year.
Regarding the transition to sustainable mobility, España It is located at the tail of EuropaOnly 8% of national production in 2025 corresponded to electrified vehicles, compared to the European average of 15%. The absence of decision-making centers in the OEM Within the country, this is identified as a structural weakness for attracting new models.
- New projects: Plant Chery - Ebro en Barcelona It already assembles units.
- Batteries: The joint venture of CATL y Stellantis will begin cell manufacturing in Figueruelas at the end of 2026.
- Foreign investment: groups like BYD y SAIC evaluate España as a location for its future European factories.
To reverse this trend, experts agree that the industry must accelerate the adoption of electrified models and strengthen the automotive supply chain. The challenge lies not only in assembly but also in the development of proprietary technology and strategic componentsThis will require massive investment in innovation and development over the next few years.
Report prepared by Iñaki Ballesteros, Coordinator of Analysts Northern Zone of Solunion Spain.
Key points and frequently asked questions about the Spanish automotive sector
Why is vehicle production falling in Spain despite more cars being sold?
The decline is mainly due to the drop in exports, which account for almost 86% of production. Weakness in markets such as Francia e ItaliaThis, coupled with the loss of competitiveness in electric models, explains this 4,3% decrease in production.
What is the situation of Chinese manufacturers in the Spanish market?
Chinese manufacturers have doubled their presence in one year, going from a 4,7% market share to 10% by 2025. They have sold more than 115.000 vehicles in España, which represents a growth of 140% and direct pressure on traditional European brands.
What projects aim to promote the electricity transition in Spain?
They highlight the activity of Chery - Ebro en Barcelona and the future battery plant of CATL to Stellantis en FigueruelasFurthermore, major firms such as BYD y SAIC maintain España on its radar to expand its production capacity in Europa.
