Sales of financed cars in Finland have increased significantly last year, with over a hundred percent growth compared to 2021. On the other hand, first registrations of passenger cars decreased by 10 percent between January and February compared to the previous year, with a drastic decrease in registrations since May of last year. The average age of the passenger car fleet in Finland was 13.2 years last year, with the highest average age in Kainuu and North Karelia, and the lowest in Uusimaa.
In contrast to new car registrations, sales of used cars in car dealerships have increased by more than five percent at the beginning of this year compared to a year ago. Jari Jaulimo, Head of Cash Flows and Working Capital at OP Yrityspanki notes that while the average age of the passenger car fleet has increased over the past decade due to higher emissions from older cars, newer cars have lower risk of serious injury or death in collision accidents compared to older cars.
Last year, carbon dioxide emissions from new cars registered were 68 grams per kilometer, which is significantly lower than the average emissions in 2019. This shift towards low-emission vehicles is expected to have a positive impact on reducing environmental impact in the long run as low-emission cars emit less than 50 grams per kilometer. Overall, there are various factors influencing car ownership and usage in Finland that contribute to reducing overall traffic emissions.
