Vehicle financing changes curb Mexico used‑car sales and spark EU contract transparency review

In Mexico, sales of used cars fell 1.6% in the first half of 2026 compared with the same period in 2025, according to the SIM Index compiled by SimDataGroup and the Mexican Automotive Dealers Association. Industry analysts, including Fernando Medina of SimDataGroup, attribute the slowdown to greater credit availability and incentives for new‑vehicle purchases, prompting consumers to favor financing new cars over used ones.

Separately, the Court of Justice of the European Union issued a ruling on 23 April 2026 clarifying that the total amount owed and the total cost of credit must be calculated separately under Directive 2008/48/EC. Spanish courts are applying this interpretation to vehicle‑financing contracts, identifying many agreements that double‑count fees such as opening commissions, which could affect thousands of contracts across Spain and the broader EU.

These developments highlight a shift in vehicle‑financing practices that is influencing both market demand in Mexico and consumer‑protection standards in Europe.