Motorists in the Netherlands are holding onto their cars longer than ever before, according to figures from Auto Recycling Nederland (ARN). Last year, the average age of the vehicles scrapped in the Netherlands reached 20 years. This was both an increase from the average age of 19.7 years in 2023 and a continuation of a decades-long trend, reported the Dutch producer responsibility organisation (PRO) responsible for coordinating and managing the dismantling and When ARN was founded in the 1990's, the average car had been on the road just 13.6 years when it reached end of life. By 2003, that figure had risen to 15 years and by 2014, it had reached 17.5 years.
ARN sees a number of factors contributing to the trend. For one thing, cars were now more durable. For another, shifting attitudes towards car ownership and evolving economic considerations discouraged new car purchases.
The rising cost of new vehicles, coupled with ongoing uncertainty around the transition from internal combustion engines (ICE) to electric drivetrains, had made many consumers hesitant to replace older models and there were also tax considerations, said Paul Dietz, ARN's managing director.
The Dutch generally drive their cars longer than do motorists in neighbouring countries – perhaps a reflection of the national reputation for frugality. While in the Netherlands, the average car is currently almost 12 years old, in France it is 11.2 years, in Germany 10.3 years, in Belgium 9.9 years, in Denmark 9.6 years, and in Luxembourg 8 years, said ARN.
