More used cars exported than dismantled

For the first time, the number of used cars exported to other countries exceeded those sold to be cut up in scrap yards. In 2005, over half a million cars were taken out of circulation.

Cars taken out of circulation

Robust increase in export of used commercial vehicles

Export of used cars has shown an upward trend for several years now. Many second-hand cars go to Eastern Europe.
In 2005, the number of used cars exported was almost 30 thousand higher than in the preceding year. The amount of passenger cars exported fell by 20 thousand, whereas the number of commercial vehicles exported increased markedly from 57 thousand in 2004 to 106 thousand in 2005. Vans constitute a large part of used cars exported to foreign countries. The boost in export of commercial vehicles appears to be the result of the new registration procedure for commercial vehicles, introduced on 1 July 2005. It is no longer possible for individuals to benefit financially from registration of their car as a commercial vehicle.

Exports used motor vehicles

Dismantling of privately-owned and commercial vehicles

Since 2000, the number of cars sold to scrap yards has gradually fallen. Some 92 percent of over 250 thousand vehicles sold for dismantling were privately–owned, 8 percent were commercial vehicles. Total weight of cars sold for dismantling was 242 thousand tons; commercial vehicles accounted for one eighth of the total weight.

Modern cars last longer

The age at which cars are dismantled, is rising continually. Last year, approximately 40 percent of car wrecks were older than 15 years, whereas five years ago only 20 percent exceeded 15 years.
In 2005, the average age of a car sold for dismantling was 14.8 years and 13.2 years for commercial vehicles. Scrapped cars were on average 15 months older in 2005 than in 2000. Exported cars are more recent: passenger cars average 10.6 years and commercial vehicles 8.5 years.

Cars ready to be dismantled by age

Rob Kuipers