The number of people buying cars in Germany surged during the first month of 2024, figures from the KBA federal transport authority have revealed.

Car sales surging in Germany in January 2024

In January 2024 alone, 213.553 new cars were bought in Germany, according to figures from the KBA federal transport authority.

The numbers reveal a 19,1 percent increase compared to the same period last year, but January 2023 marked a particularly slow month when it came to car sales in Germany. 

Of the 213.553 new cars sold last month, 10,5 percent run entirely on electricity and 70 percent of the cars that were registered were to be used for commercial use.

Car manufacturers paid out e-car premiums

The German budget crisis, which dominated the headlines in the autumn, also had an impact on car sales. In mid-December, the government scrapped a purchase premium of up to 4.500 euros for new electric cars, which was supposed to be replaced by a subsidy of up to 3.000 euros from January 1, 2024.

However, thanks to the crisis, subsidies were cut altogether, which resulted in many car manufacturers saying that they would cover the cost of premiums themselves.

Thumb image credit: Cineberg / Shutterstock.com