Car Production in Spain Declined in the First Months of 2025

During the first eight months of 2025, Spanish car factories produced 1,478,582 vehicles. This is a 7% decrease compared to the same period last year. The main reasons for the decline are lower demand in European markets and the retooling of production lines for new electrified models.

Looking at the monthly figures, July ended with 187,643 vehicles assembled, which is a 2.2% increase compared to July 2024. However, in August, production volumes dropped to 70,344 units—4.2% less than a year earlier. This reflects the traditional slowdown in the industry during the summer months.

By segment, results were mixed. In July, passenger car production fell by 2.7% to 141,979 units, but in August this figure rose by 14.3% to 63,350 vehicles. Meanwhile, commercial and industrial vehicles saw significant growth in July—up 21.2% (45,664 units)—but their production sharply declined in August by 61.1%, totaling only 6,994 units.

The export component, which traditionally plays a key role in the Spanish automotive industry, is also showing a decline. In July, 157,915 vehicles were shipped abroad, down 8.1% compared to a year ago, and in August—68,303 units, 2% lower than the level of the previous year. From January to August 2025, the total export volume reached 1,271,461 cars, which is 10.1% less than in the same period of 2024. European countries remain the main buyers, although their share in the export structure has decreased: in July—to 91%, and in August—to 90.2%. Germany retains its position as the largest importer, followed by France (in July) and the United Kingdom (in August). Among other destinations, Austria stands out, with a supply increase of 67.9% in July and 53.6% in August, as well as Mexico, where exports in August rose more than 33 times compared to last year.

The transition to environmentally friendly technologies continues. In July, Spanish factories assembled 70,448 vehicles powered by alternative energy sources, up 5.3% from a year earlier and accounting for 37.6% of total monthly production. In August, this figure fell by 2.5% to 26,105 units, or 37.1% of the total. For the first eight months of 2025, the share of such vehicles reached 429,914 units, almost identical to last year’s results and representing 37.9% of total output. Of these, 145,096 are hybrids and electric vehicles, 4.1% more than in 2024, with a share of 9.8%.

The head of the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers noted that the industry is facing significant challenges amid technological changes. In his view, maintaining competitiveness requires stronger support for the domestic market and enhancing industrial strategies, as foreign competitors are already ahead of Spain in developing the electric vehicle sector.