Car registrations in the Netherlands fell sharply in January 2026, with the indicator dropping to -41.7% month-over-month, according to data updated on 24 February 2026. This marks a stark reversal from December 2025, when registrations had surged by 36.5% compared to the previous month.
The figures highlight a pronounced swing in the Dutch auto market: December’s strong uptick was followed by a steep contraction at the start of the new year. The data are presented on a month-over-month basis, meaning the January result reflects the change from December 2025, while the December figure measured the change from November 2025.
The latest reading suggests considerable short-term volatility in vehicle demand and registration activity, with the January downturn effectively erasing the momentum seen at the end of 2025. Investors and industry analysts will be watching upcoming months’ data to gauge whether this decline is temporary or signals a more sustained cooling in the Dutch car market.
