When the time approaches for you to renew your range of second-hand cars, it is always worth taking a look at how the market is developing and anticipating the trends that will colour the sector. An empty showroom and (hopefully) a full cash register are the perfect conditions to go through the market in a flash and snap up a number of new gems. First of all: it’s never a bad idea to find out what is likely to happen in the sector over the coming months and years, to understand the underlying developments and adjust your range accordingly. Will the demand for diesel in Western Europe continue to plummet, in favour of electricity? OPENLANE shows the way with an overview of the main newcomers at the Paris Motor Show.
Audi A1 Sportback
The first generation of the smallest of all Audis sold like hot cakes. With the modern, carefully considered construction of its successor, this second generation should be able to do even better.
Audi e-tron
One of the most striking trends at the recent Paris Motor Show was not only the increase in the number of SUVs, but also the general electrification of the market. Audi set a good example with its first fully electric SUV, the Audi e-tron, which will be available before the end of the year.
BMW 3 Series
It is popular with private individuals and company car drivers alike, and that is perhaps the main strength of this new BMW 3 Series. A permanent feature and therefore a relatively safe investment, the first second-hand vehicles will find a new owner in no time at all from mid-2019 …
Citroën C5 Aircross
Citroën, which at the moment is seeing its biggest successes in a few niche markets, is in search of its Holy Grail. It believes it may have found just that with this C5 Aircross, a big SUV intended to draw crowds to the Citroën showrooms once again. It certainly has plenty of potential, just look at how the (technically related) Peugeot 3008 performed …
DS 3 Crossback
DS, which now operates as an independent brand within PSA, has built its success largely on the (Citroën) DS3, an excellent, stylish city car which continues to do well on the second-hand market. While awaiting a successor, DS is launching an SUV version, the DS 3 Crossback. The French premium brand has high expectations, bearing in mind the modest success of the DS 7 Crossback launched earlier.
Mercedes EQC
Mercedes-Benz has clearly not been resting on its laurels and with the EQC already has a direct competitor for the Audi e-tron. The fully electric SUV is the prelude to a complete range of electric Mercedes models. In that respect, the second-hand prices of this EQC will prove a very interesting yardstick.
Peugeot 508 SW
To be part of the D segment, you need an Avant, a Touring or – in the case of Peugeot – a Station Wagon. Its strong personality and dynamic qualities should suffice to keep it at the top of the second-hand market for several years to come.
Seat Tarraco
The brand-new Seat Tarraco is the nth example of the Volkswagen strategy, with the various brands in the group (Seat, Skoda) being able to use the same (SUV) base. Those wanting to do business will need to keep an eye on the Aronas, Atecas and soon this Tarraco, too.
Tesla Model 3
Although the engine still sputters at the operating level, a Tesla Model 3 was on display in Paris, the first ‘affordable’ car from the American EV brand. The first European cars are not expected until 2019, but the low deprecation of the brand, together with the limited offer, already make this a good investment.
Toyota
The Asian superpower presented not one but four major premieres in Paris: the new Corolla – successor of the Auris – and its estate version, a Camry which is to replace the Avensis and a new RAV4. The focus on hybridisation remains, but fortunately it all looks a little sexier these days.