The Spanish automotive market remains under one million units. After the pandemic, the sector has not achieved the directional progress the industry sought. Ongoing material shortages and chip constraints have kept production in factories closer to normal, yet vehicle sales in Spain have not surpassed the one-million mark, a situation intensified by the ongoing disruptions tied to the Ukraine conflict that affect supply chains and deliveries of essential components.
According to data from Anfac, the National Association of Automobile and Truck Manufacturers, 2023 sales in Spain reached 949,359 passenger cars. This figure represents a 16.7% increase over 2022, a rise the industry views as modest in the face of the electrification challenge that remains largely unmet. The momentum in electrified registrations has been positive but still not enough to shift the overall market dynamics decisively toward full electrification.
Collaborations for the Development and Promotion of Electric Mobility (Aedive) and the National Association of Vehicle Dealers (Ganvam) report a satisfactory rise in electric vehicle registrations. When considering the total, electrified vehicles—including microhybrids, hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and fully electric cars—registrations show a 38% uptick, with passenger-only electrified models climbing 47.2% to reach 116,590 units out of the 949,359 total market. However, the broader electrification share remains limited, roughly around 6%, which lags behind the European average of 15–20%.
Toyota and Dacia remain leaders
Brand-level analysis shows that Dacia Sandero continued to be the best-selling model in Spain last year, underscoring demand for affordable family cars. The MG ZS, a Chinese-brand model, reclaimed the top spot in December after leading in August and September, reflecting shifting consumer preferences toward compact SUVs. The Dacia Sandero secured the top position with 27,951 units, while the Seat Arona placed second with 21,639 units, and the Toyota Corolla completed the top three with 19,845 units.
Rounding out the top ten were the MG ZS P in fourth with 19,818 units, the Peugeot 2008 with 19,433 units, the Hyundai Tucson with 19,097 units, the Toyota C-HR with 18,478 units, the Kia Sportage with 18,359 units, the Volkswagen T-Roc with 17,238 units, and the Seat Ibiza with 16,644 units. These figures illustrate a market that blends established favorites with newer entrants that appeal to value-conscious buyers and urban drivers alike.
From a brand perspective, Toyota continued to dominate Spain as the best-selling brand for 2023, repeating its position from 2022, with 79,883 units sold, up 8.7% year over year and surpassing its nearest competitor by more than 10,000 vehicles. Kia finished in second place with 66,245 units, up 4.6%. Volkswagen held third place with 63,871 units, an 8.5% increase over 2022. Hyundai and Seat also maintained strong positions in the top five, with volumes of 58,874 and 58,586 units respectively, illustrating the diversity of consumer preferences across the market.
Looking ahead, the Spanish market faces several crosscurrents: the ongoing supply constraints that affect production and delivery schedules, the gradual transition toward electrification, and the evolving consumer demand for affordable, efficient vehicles. Stakeholders across manufacturers, dealers, and policymakers are watching closely how investments in charging infrastructure, battery technology, and cost reductions translate into stronger electrified vehicle penetration in the coming years. The balance between traditional internal combustion engine vehicles and electrified options will likely shape strategic decisions, pricing, and market share as Spain navigates a post-pandemic recovery and a broader European energy transition.