The annual used-car festival remains a crucial event for car dealerships in Luxembourg, offering an appealing range of vehicles. According to Philippe Mersch, customers show a strong interest when dealers offer a diverse selection, including both traditional diesel and petrol cars as well as electric vehicles.
Mersch explained that demand for electric cars increases particularly when attractive and reasonably priced options are available. Even though leasing is still popular with electric vehicle drivers, there are enough offers on the used-car market for electric vehicles as well. He also pointed out that buyers of used electric vehicles older than three years can benefit from a government bonus of €1,500, provided they hold onto the car for at least two years.
Mersch emphasised the importance of raising public awareness about such incentive programmes, suggesting that better knowledge of available bonuses would motivate more people to consider purchasing electric vehicles. Discussions to amend this scheme to allow car dealers to directly subtract the bonus from the sale price are ongoing between FEDAMO and the government. As Mersch points out, buyers would stand to gain from a lower loan amount, and the electric vehicle market as a whole would benefit as well.
Despite the growing focus on electric vehicles, Mersch acknowledged that many customers still prefer practical, high-riding vehicles, with SUVs remaining a popular choice among buyers.
During the used-car festival, dealerships are offering extended guarantees on pre-owned vehicles, according to Mersch. Partner garages are also making efforts to adjust prices, and loan conditions have become more attractive. However, Mersch stressed that the primary factors drawing customers are the greater visibility and the wider range of offers present during the festival, which help build trust and boost overall interest in the used car market.
