From the most basic models of the most accessible brands to cars close to luxury. During this weekend, the fairgrounds will be transformed into a huge dealership for the 22nd edition of the Second-Hand Vehicle Show. Throughout the weekend, up to six sales outlets on the island will be displaying dozens of vehicles, whether new, pre-owned or second-hand, in an attempt to attract as many visitors as possible.
One of the main characteristics of this fair is precisely its variety. Anyone looking for a new vehicle will find all kinds of vehicles. Cars come in all sizes, colours, types and price ranges. The most affordable are under 10,000 euros, while the most ostentatious are over 60,000 euros.
This is the 22nd edition of the fair, which began 24 years ago. One of the organisers, Miquel Ángel Escandell, manager of Tanit Automoció and president of the PIMEEF Workshops and Dealers Association, explains that the fair was born precisely ‘as an initiative of the PIMEEF 23 years ago’. Since then, it has only stopped twice, on the occasion of the COVID. If this fair continues to be held after so many years, it is because it works, as Escandell explains: ‘the formula works, and we always try to have as many vehicles as possible’. The dates of the fair are no coincidence either, ‘there is always one at the beginning of the season, which is held in Sant Jordi, and this one, at the end of the season. It used to be the first weekend in October but, as the season has been lengthening, it has been moved to November’.
In addition to its longevity, another point to highlight is the positive trend. Last year it was a sales record, selling ‘between 50 and 60 per cent of what was on display’, Escandell explained. In this year's edition, the first ‘sold out’ signs are already being hung on some of the cars. Therefore, expectations are good ‘but it is necessary to wait until the end of the fair, and also for some of these operations that are closed, then the financing goes ahead’.
Beyond this fair, the second-hand car sales sector is in vogue. As Escandell explains, ‘more than two used cars are being sold for every one that is sold new’. This is a trend that is even greater in some parts of the world. In Germany, a benchmark country in motoring, ‘between three and four used cars are being sold for every new one’.
Throughout this weekend many people will be coming to the Recinto Ferial. People like José, who ‘is just browsing around because his car is getting a bit old’. He is interested to know what is available in the sector, and likes the variety but, in principle, his car ‘can still last another couple of years’. More convinced is Manuel, who is looking for an SUV because ‘his car is already old’. He already has two in mind which will most probably end up being his purchase option.
