Dutch website Marktplaats.nl has released data showing that the popularity of used Saab cars in the Netherlands has been on the rise in 2022. The nostalgia for Saab cars has reached a new level, with a significant increase in the number of viewed pages for Saab cars on the website.
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Placing trust in reliable automotive brands
The Netherlands has become known for having a high number of older cars on the road, with an average age of 12 years. One reason for this trend may be due to the reliability of cars like Volvo and Saab. Both brands are known for producing sturdy and long-lasting vehicles, making them popular choices for Dutch drivers looking to save money by avoiding frequent car purchases.
Saab, the once-beloved Swedish car manufacturer, had a tumultuous history in the Netherlands. From 1997 to 2014, Saab cars had seen a steady decline in sales. The peak year was 2000, when 4,360 Saab cars were sold in the country. However, by 2014, only one Saab car was sold in the Netherlands.
This decline in sales is likely due to a combination of factors, including the bankruptcy of Saab in 2011, changing consumer preferences, and increased competition in the automobile market. Despite the challenges faced by the brand, Saab had a loyal following in the Netherlands, with many drivers appreciating the brand’s unique design and reliable performance.
While Saab may no longer be a major player in the Dutch automobile market, its legacy lives on through the dedicated enthusiasts who continue to cherish and maintain their beloved Saab cars.
Enormous growth of interest in Saab cars during 2022
The most popular Saab models driven in the Netherlands include the Saab 9-3 and Saab 9-5. However, since Saab is no longer in production, these cars are typically used or second-hand vehicles. The Saab 9-3 saw a remarkable 2434 percent increase in views, from 8,500 views in 2021 to 216,000 in 2022. Similarly, the Saab 9-5 also saw a sharp rise in views, with a 1226 percent increase.
But why this sudden interest in used Saab cars? Is it due to a collective melancholy or the Dutch entrepreneurial spirit? It could be the latter, as a recent American study revealed that prices for well-maintained Saab models have been rapidly increasing. Therefore, buying a Saab now may be a smart move for investors.
Moreover, the facelifted Saab 9-3 has become a youngtimer that is more friendly towards the environment. It is possible that this could be another reason for the increase in interest in Saab cars.
The situation in the rest of the used car market in the Netherlands
Despite this trend, the Volkswagen Golf was the most popular used car on the website, with over 83.4 million page views, followed by the BMW 3-series and Volkswagen Polo. The top ten list of most popular cars was dominated by German brands such as Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and BMW.
Interestingly, the Dutch have a clear preference for German cars, as French, Japanese, and Korean cars are absent from the top ten list. However, the list of cars that were actually bought may look quite different.
Aside from the increase in popularity of Saab cars, the demand for second-hand electric cars has also grown significantly, with a 42 percent increase in the number of ads for electric cars on the website in 2022. Additionally, there was a 38 percent increase in demand for electric cars compared to 2021, possibly due to government subsidies for buying electric cars.
The average price of a second-hand car on the website increased by 21 percent to 15,000 euros in 2022. This is likely due to the rise in prices of new cars.
In terms of color, silver and gray were the most popular colors for cars in the Netherlands, and Volkswagen was the most searched brand on the website.
Looking at the search preferences by province, it appears that residents of Utrecht, Gelderland, and Overijssel prefer BMW cars, while Mercedes-Benz is more popular in Groningen and Noord-Brabant.
Growing nostalgia for Saab cars
It seems that nostalgia for Saab cars, the growing demand for second-hand electric cars, and the Dutch preference for German cars were the main trends in the Dutch used car market in 2022. With prices for new cars continuing to rise, it is likely that the demand for second-hand cars will continue to increase in the coming years.
I’m in the Netherlands for work with my Saab 9-5 ng and can definitely confirm SAAB’s are way more common there than in the UK