Vehicle Age Reaches 15 Years Across Catalonia

The average age of vehicles on Catalan roads is now approaching 15 years, with Barcelona's fleet exceeding 12 years, according to data from Open Data Barcelona. This ageing trend has prompted the Catalan Automotive Distribution Employers' Association (Fecavem) to present a formal proposal to the regional government for a targeted vehicle renewal programme.

Proposal Targets Safety and Emissions

Fecavem, chaired by Jaume Roura, has submitted its plan to the Ministry of Business and Labour, led by Miquel Sàmper. The proposal calls for a stable, accessible aid programme to incentivise drivers to scrap passenger cars, motorcycles, or commercial vans that are 15 years or older. In return, they would receive support to purchase either a new vehicle or a used one no more than five years old. Under the scheme, beneficiaries must be residents or have their tax domicile in Catalonia. The aid would be applied as a discount on the invoice or assigned directly to the seller, mirroring the structure of Spain’s national MOVES programme and similar regional initiatives.

Environmental and Safety Justification

The proposal is backed by Fecavem’s Study of Used Vehicles in Catalonia 2026, which states that more than 1.5 million vehicles in Catalonia are 15 years or older. Each of these older passenger cars emits an average of 1,909 kilograms of CO2 annually, compared to 1,409 kilograms for used vehicles no older than five years. The association argues the scheme would improve road safety by phasing in modern vehicles with better safety systems and support owners of cars without an environmental sticker or with only a B sticker under the DGT classification.

This incentive policy would become an effective tool for renewing Catalonia's vehicle fleet,

Fecavem has told the Government, highlighting the potential for reduced emissions, safer roads, and a boost to the automotive distribution, maintenance, and recycling sectors.

Plan Requirements and Next Steps

The proposed plan includes safeguards: universal access for individuals, self-employed workers, and small businesses; no discrimination between new and used vehicles; budgetary stability; and guaranteed permanent deregistration of scrapped vehicles. Fecavem is calling for the creation of a working group involving the Department of Business and Labour, climate and mobility authorities, the Catalan Tax Agency, the DGT, and industry representatives. The group would develop an economic and environmental report to model funding scenarios, aid levels, and expected scrappage volumes. The association also supports launching a pilot call and conducting an evaluation to correct any territorial or social imbalances, with the aim of establishing multi-year continuity if targets are met.

What This Means for You

If adopted, the scheme could allow eligible residents and businesses in Catalonia to replace old, polluting vehicles with cleaner, safer alternatives. The exact amount of aid would be modulated based on emissions, technology, income, or family status. Updates will be published via the Metrópoli Abierta report and official Generalitat channels.

Sources: Metrópoli Abierta (CA), Ajuntament de Barcelona.