Chinese cars in Spain keep only 60.7% of original price after three years, lagging mainstream brands. Discover why depreciation is higher and what it means for buyers. Read more.
In a market where the cost of new cars is increasingly out of reach for the average household, Chinese-made vehicles are carving out a noticeable niche in Spain.
Depreciation after three years
According to the latest GANVAM-DAT index presented at the eXpoGANVAM event in Madrid (November 2025), Chinese-brand cars retain only 60.73 % of their original price after three years of ownership. By comparison, mainstream European and Japanese brands hold about 65.55 %, while premium marques dip to just 31.69 %.
Market share and leading brands
Spain, one of Europe’s most open markets for Chinese automobiles, now accounts for about 9.5 % of total new‑car registrations. Six manufacturers – MG, BYD, Omoda, Jaecoo, Ebro and Leapmotor – dominate this segment, together delivering more than 94 % of Chinese‑brand sales.
Who’s buying?
Private‑buyer traffic fuels the growth: nearly 70 % of Chinese‑car sales go to individual consumers, far above the national average of 46.3 %. This demand is split across powertrains:
- Petrol models – 38 %
- Plug‑in hybrids (PHEV) – 27 %
- Battery‑electric vehicles (BEV) – 17 %
- Mild‑hybrid (MHEV) – 17 %
For context, mild‑hybrid vehicles represent only 3.9 % of Spain’s overall market, highlighting a clear advantage for European brands in that niche.
Electrification and its impact on resale value
The high proportion of electrified models (44 % of Chinese‑brand sales) is a double‑edged sword. While these cars accelerate Spain’s shift toward cleaner mobility, rapid advances in battery technology and the recent decline in EV prices put downward pressure on used‑car valuations. As a result, Chinese EVs and hybrids experience steeper depreciation than their internal‑combustion counterparts.
What this means for buyers
Prospective owners should weigh the attractive upfront pricing against a potentially faster loss of value, especially for plug‑in and fully electric models. For those focused on long‑term ownership or resale, traditional petrol or diesel options may offer a more stable depreciation curve.
Overall, Chinese manufacturers are reshaping Spain’s automotive landscape, but the speed of technological change means their vehicles’ resale value will continue to be a key consideration for savvy shoppers.