The Valencia Motor Show has emerged as a crucial event for flood-affected car owners. Record-breaking sales were driven by significant discounts and government aid.
Held at the Valencia Trade Fair between 5 and 8 December 2024, the event welcomed over 43,000 visitors.
The show’s organizers revealed that 60% of attendees came from DANA-affected areas, where over 120,000 vehicles were destroyed.
Visitors were drawn by exclusive discounts from car brands, averaging €2,500 per vehicle, along with subsidies from the government’s Reinicia Auto+ program, which ranged from €2,000 to €10,000.
Sergio Torregrosa, president of the Valencia Motor Show’s organizing committee, highlighted the fair’s primary goal of supporting the renewal of the vehicle fleet damaged by the DANA floods. He noted that the event served as a critical platform for buyers to access a wide range of options across all segments, both new and used.
Torregrosa said, “Our obligation was to be a service fair, where buyers could access the widest possible offer in all segments, both new and used, and where they could also benefit from the discounts and special promotions that brands and the automobile sector in general have made available to them, which, together with the aid from the different administrations, have motivated customers to have practically unique offers.”
He also expressed gratitude to visitors for their understanding during the high demand, which led to longer wait times. “We are very satisfied with the response that the automobile sector has given not only to the Fair but to society in general. The brands and the Fair have risen to the occasion, and we are really pleased to see that, through this high percentage of visitors from the affected towns, we have at least helped to try to solve the mobility problems of many of those affected, who with their new vehicle will be able to gradually return to the long-awaited normality,” added Torregrosa.
The results were nothing short of impressive. In just four days, over 4,000 vehicles were sold, doubling last year’s numbers. Many buyers opted for new cars, particularly models with eco-labels, as financial incentives made them more affordable than used cars. Attendees were eager to return to normalcy after the floods disrupted their lives and mobility.
The flood’s impact on the automotive sector was significant, with dealerships along the Silla track losing 18,000 vehicles, valued at €490 million. Yet, the fair provided a platform for recovery, offering free shuttle buses and complimentary entry for residents of affected towns. The event also featured expanded customer service lines to manage high demand and ensure a smooth experience for visitors.
