For the first time, Belgium’s second-hand motorhome registrations have surpassed those of new motorhomes, marking a notable shift in the country’s RV industry. Mobility federation Traxio confirmed that registrations of used motorhomes have risen sharply in 2024, surpassing new sales—a milestone driven by changing consumer preferences and economic pressures according to an article by The Brussels Times.
According to Traxio, the new motorhome market saw a minor contraction in the first nine months of the year, with registrations decreasing by 2.7% to 4,807 units by the end of September. This decline reflects a broader trend that began after a registration peak in 2021, following the post-lockdown boom.
Since then, the new motorhome market has faced gradual declines, impacted by higher prices for new models and increased interest rates, which have tempered demand. Belgian consumers also show a marked shift in preferences: while pop-up models are losing ground, larger and more spacious semi-integrated motorhomes have gained popularity, catering to buyers seeking enhanced comfort and utility.
In stark contrast, the second-hand motorhome market has witnessed robust growth. Registrations of used motorhomes increased by 18.6% year over year, reaching 5,301 units by the close of the third quarter of 2024. This growth highlights a trend where more buyers are opting for pre-owned vehicles, largely due to the substantial price increase in new models in recent years.
Moreover, Traxio notes that fewer used motorhomes are leaving Belgium’s borders, as domestic demand continues to rise. Traditionally, many used vehicles were exported to neighboring countries, particularly the Netherlands, but this has declined as Belgian buyers are increasingly interested in keeping these vehicles local.
“The surprise is that many people who may have made an ‘impulse’ purchase of a motorhome during the Coronavirus pandemic have remained loyal to this mode of leisure. As a result, we see potential for growth over the next few years,” says Filip Rylant, spokesperson for the federation.
Belgium’s total motorhome fleet has expanded by 30.1% since 2017, now totaling 83,227 vehicles by the end of the third quarter of this year. This increase reflects broader trends in the European RV market, where buyers are facing similar price pressures and adapting to shifting lifestyle preferences.
While according to an article by new mobility news, a closer look at brand performance in Belgium reveals some notable changes: McLouis has surpassed Volkswagen (VW) as the top brand for new motorhome registrations, with 460 units compared to VW’s 443. Despite this, VW remains the dominant player in the second-hand market, demonstrating its strong foothold in the resale sector.
This shift in Belgium’s motorhome market is significant for the European RV industry as it underscores a growing preference for affordability and sustainability. The rise in second-hand sales suggests that consumers, facing high new vehicle prices and economic uncertainty, are increasingly viewing used motorhomes as viable, long-term investments in leisure.