European emissions legislation is redefining the automotive market, and its impact is not limited to new vehicles. The used-car market, which represents more than double the sales of new cars in Spain, is also affected by the environmental requirements being implemented across Europe. For dealers, understanding these regulations is essential to anticipating changes in demand, the residual value of stock, and the turnover of certain engine types.
1. From EURO 6 to EURO 7: the new frontier
Since September 2015, all new cars must comply with EURO 6 regulations, which set maximum limits for NOx and particulate emissions. The European Commission has approved the future EURO 7 standard, due to come into force in 2027, which tightens the permitted values even further and introduces new, more demanding tests.
This means that vehicles with regulations earlier than EURO 6 (EURO 5 or below) will see their depreciation accelerate, especially in urban areas. For dealers, holding units with those approvals in stock represents a growing risk of commercial obsolescence.
2. Environmental labels: the customer filter
In Spain, the DGT label (B, C, ECO, ZERO) is the main reference for buyers and for municipal authorities. From 2025 onwards, with the widespread introduction of Low Emission Zones (LEZ), cars without a label or with a B label will face increasingly severe circulation restrictions in more than 150 municipalities.
Dealers should prioritise acquiring units with C, ECO or ZERO labels to ensure turnover, especially if they operate in urban areas. In addition, it is advisable to clearly inform the customer about the type of label, its legal implications and the restrictions that will apply to them.
3. Falling residual value of older diesel cars
The combination of EURO regulations, environmental labels and social perception is causing an accelerated fall in the residual value of the oldest diesels (those earlier than EURO 6). Although they still have a market in rural or professional environments, demand for them is falling in major cities.
Dealers who keep units of this profile in stock will need to adjust prices more quickly to avoid losses from depreciation. By contrast, newer diesels (EURO 6d TEMP or 6d) remain competitive if they have a C label.
4. Rising demand for "clean" used cars
As restrictions become more stringent, buyers are turning towards more efficient used vehicles, with lower consumption, lower emissions and better environmental technology. This favours:
Electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles (ZERO)
Non-plug-in hybrids (ECO)
Gas (ECO)
Recent petrol and diesel vehicles (C label)
The professional who selects stock according to these criteria not only ensures better turnover, but also greater loyalty from customers who are informed and concerned about the regulatory future.
5. Imports and European regulations: cross-border opportunities
Many dealers are turning to the import of used cars from Germany, France or Belgium. In these countries, environmental restrictions also lead to an early exit of units with older regulations, which may be in demand in certain areas of Spain.
It is essential to know:
The vehicle's emissions level.
Its equivalent DGT label.
The homologation and documentation requirements.
Importing can be profitable if carried out with rigorous selection and a prior analysis of the local market.
Conclusion
European emissions regulations are putting increasing pressure on the used-car market, but they also open up new opportunities for those who know how to adapt. For the dealer, the future depends on:
Knowing the current and future regulations.
Selecting stock aligned with environmental labels.
Clearly informing the customer about restrictions and advantages.
Preparing for an accelerated renewal of the vehicle fleet.
Dealcar can help you analyse the environmental impact of your stock, adjust your acquisition strategy and clearly communicate the environmental benefits of each vehicle. Staying up to date with regulations is not just an obligation, it is a commercial advantage.
FAQ / Frequently asked questions
What is EURO 7 and when does it come into force?
It is the next European emissions regulation for new cars. It is expected to come into force in 2027 and will be stricter than the current EURO 6.
How does the DGT label affect the sale of used cars?
It defines circulation restrictions and affects the value perceived by the buyer, especially in cities with LEZs.
Should I avoid having older diesels in my stock?
It depends on your market. In large cities, yes. In rural or work areas, they may still sell if the price is adjusted properly.
Do imported cars have a DGT label?
Yes, provided they are correctly homologated in Spain and their emissions level is certified.
How does Dealcar help me with the green transition?
With tools to analyse your stock, publish with clear environmental information and steer your offering towards future demand.
European emissions legislation is redefining the automotive market, and its impact is not limited to new vehicles. The used-car market, which represents more than double the sales of new cars in Spain, is also affected by the environmental requirements being implemented across Europe. For dealers, understanding these regulations is essential to anticipating changes in demand, the residual value of stock, and the turnover of certain engine types.
1. From EURO 6 to EURO 7: the new frontier
Since September 2015, all new cars must comply with EURO 6 regulations, which set maximum limits for NOx and particulate emissions. The European Commission has approved the future EURO 7 standard, due to come into force in 2027, which tightens the permitted values even further and introduces new, more demanding tests.
This means that vehicles with regulations earlier than EURO 6 (EURO 5 or below) will see their depreciation accelerate, especially in urban areas. For dealers, holding units with those approvals in stock represents a growing risk of commercial obsolescence.
2. Environmental labels: the customer filter
In Spain, the DGT label (B, C, ECO, ZERO) is the main reference for buyers and for municipal authorities. From 2025 onwards, with the widespread introduction of Low Emission Zones (LEZ), cars without a label or with a B label will face increasingly severe circulation restrictions in more than 150 municipalities.
Dealers should prioritise acquiring units with C, ECO or ZERO labels to ensure turnover, especially if they operate in urban areas. In addition, it is advisable to clearly inform the customer about the type of label, its legal implications and the restrictions that will apply to them.
3. Falling residual value of older diesel cars
The combination of EURO regulations, environmental labels and social perception is causing an accelerated fall in the residual value of the oldest diesels (those earlier than EURO 6). Although they still have a market in rural or professional environments, demand for them is falling in major cities.
Dealers who keep units of this profile in stock will need to adjust prices more quickly to avoid losses from depreciation. By contrast, newer diesels (EURO 6d TEMP or 6d) remain competitive if they have a C label.
4. Rising demand for "clean" used cars
As restrictions become more stringent, buyers are turning towards more efficient used vehicles, with lower consumption, lower emissions and better environmental technology. This favours:
Electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles (ZERO)
Non-plug-in hybrids (ECO)
Gas (ECO)
Recent petrol and diesel vehicles (C label)
The professional who selects stock according to these criteria not only ensures better turnover, but also greater loyalty from customers who are informed and concerned about the regulatory future.
5. Imports and European regulations: cross-border opportunities
Many dealers are turning to the import of used cars from Germany, France or Belgium. In these countries, environmental restrictions also lead to an early exit of units with older regulations, which may be in demand in certain areas of Spain.
It is essential to know:
The vehicle's emissions level.
Its equivalent DGT label.
The homologation and documentation requirements.
Importing can be profitable if carried out with rigorous selection and a prior analysis of the local market.
Conclusion
European emissions regulations are putting increasing pressure on the used-car market, but they also open up new opportunities for those who know how to adapt. For the dealer, the future depends on:
Knowing the current and future regulations.
Selecting stock aligned with environmental labels.
Clearly informing the customer about restrictions and advantages.
Preparing for an accelerated renewal of the vehicle fleet.
Dealcar can help you analyse the environmental impact of your stock, adjust your acquisition strategy and clearly communicate the environmental benefits of each vehicle. Staying up to date with regulations is not just an obligation, it is a commercial advantage.
FAQ / Frequently asked questions
What is EURO 7 and when does it come into force?
It is the next European emissions regulation for new cars. It is expected to come into force in 2027 and will be stricter than the current EURO 6.
How does the DGT label affect the sale of used cars?
It defines circulation restrictions and affects the value perceived by the buyer, especially in cities with LEZs.
Should I avoid having older diesels in my stock?
It depends on your market. In large cities, yes. In rural or work areas, they may still sell if the price is adjusted properly.
Do imported cars have a DGT label?
Yes, provided they are correctly homologated in Spain and their emissions level is certified.
How does Dealcar help me with the green transition?
With tools to analyse your stock, publish with clear environmental information and steer your offering towards future demand.
