What do we see?
The graph below shows that between 2010 and 2022, the average age of cars increased from 14.5 years to just over 18 years. The increase appears to have accelerated somewhat again since 2020.
What’s the aim?
In a circular economy, we strive to use materials as long and as high quality as possible. Initially, we want material-intensive products such as vehicles to last longer and longer. However, this only makes sense if they are used intensively enough until their end of life, if design and repair focus on longevity, and if extended use does not come at the expense of negative environmental impacts.
What does this indicator measure?
This indicator shows the average age of cars as recorded when a vehicle is presented for scrapping. These figures are available through the annual reports of Febelauto, the Belgian management organisation for end-of-life vehicles. The data in these reports are collected from the various authorized scrapping centers and include figures for cars and vans. The data relate to the scrapping of vehicles in Belgium and are independent of the region where the vehicles were used.
