After a challenging stretch, the automotive sector in Alicante is edging toward a calmer rhythm. Dealers in the province have yet to see a full rebound, but a measured uptick in component supply is translating into a more favorable pace. Vehicle deliveries have stretched out to roughly four to five months, marking a slow but steady improvement. Overall registrations remain well below pre-pandemic 2019 levels, but the momentum is building enough to spark cautious optimism.
The health crisis disrupted supply chains, hitting the microchip, a critical element for modern cars, particularly hard. The chip shortage halted production lines and pushed sales down sharply. In recent months, however, the situation has begun to ease, unlocking numerous stalled processes and helping manufacturers move closer to normal output.
From August through November, the negative trend began to reverse, with four consecutive months of rising registrations. In 2022, the province reported 29,267 vehicle sales, up 1.04 percent from the prior year. Of these, 15,658 were gasoline-powered, up 3.55 percent, and 9,862 were electric, 0.50 percent higher. Diesel vehicles remained at 3,747 units, a 7.07 percent decline. Activity remains about half of the 2019 totals, indicating there is still a long road ahead toward full recovery.
Also nationwide
The Alicante trajectory mirrors the national pattern, with four months of growth continuing to shape the industry. Leading associations such as Faconauto, Ganvam, and Anfac note that while the market is far from pre-pandemic records, the year could still close with around 820,000 units sold. Anfac’s director highlights that despite growth, the microchip shortage and elevated inflation remain constraints on market pace. The path toward zero and low-emission vehicles is essential to reduce the aging park and replace older, less safe models while supporting decarbonization goals.
Dealers in Alicante share a cautiously positive outlook. A marketing executive notes that inventories are being balanced, semiconductors are more available, and delivery times have shortened to roughly four to five months. While inflation and rising interest rates present headwinds, expectations point to continued improvement in supply and production flow.
Industry voices also stress that, even with the better supply conditions, the pre-pandemic cadence has not fully returned. Still, the sentiment is less chaotic than in previous years, and demand remains at a reasonable level. The current tone is one of relief rather than alarm, with business leaders hopeful about stabilizing trends as the year progresses.
The shift toward healthier stock levels and more robust production is seen as a positive sign for both new and used vehicle markets. The absence of new models on a broad scale previously pushed buyers toward the used market, but the tightening of supply issues is beginning to temper those shifts, and price pressures may ease as inventories normalize.
The broader message across the sector is that steady improvements in semiconductor availability and macroeconomic conditions are gradually reshaping market dynamics. While challenges persist, the industry is moving toward a more predictable environment that supports stronger sales and healthier dealer margins in the months ahead.
Microchip shortages also wrecked used vehicle sales
The scarcity of new cars pushed many buyers toward the used market, but those dynamics are shifting. As new-vehicle availability improves and pricing stabilizes, demand for used cars can regain balance, offering more options for buyers while helping dealers reduce aging stock and maintain competitive prices.