Spain Automotive Engine Market Overview, 2029

The Spanish automotive engine market is undergoing a dramatic transformation, fueled by a confluence of unique factors. Unlike its European counterparts, Spain presents a compelling case study where a confluence of cultural preferences, government policy, and strategic industry investments are shaping a distinct path towards electrification. Spanish car buyers have traditionally favored smaller, fuel-efficient vehicles compared to the rest of Europe. This long-standing preference for maneuverability and lower running costs aligns perfectly with the strengths of electric and hybrid engines. In 2023, registrations of small electric vehicles (EVs) surged by a staggering 92% compared to the previous year, a statistic unmatched in any other major European market. This cultural affinity for smaller vehicles positions Spain as a prime market for the continued proliferation of electric and hybrid engine adoption. The Spanish government has emerged as a proactive force in driving the electric vehicle revolution. The MOVES III program, launched in 2021, offers generous subsidies for purchasing electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, reaching up to €7,000 for full EVs. Additionally, significant investments are being made in expanding the national charging infrastructure, with a target of installing 100,000 public charging points by 2030. This robust policy framework is actively mitigating range anxiety, a major hurdle for EV adoption, and fostering a more conducive environment for electric engine dominance. Spanish automotive giants like SEAT and Renault are not merely responding to the electric wave; they are actively shaping it. SEAT's commitment to electrification is exemplified by its ambitious target of having all new models released in Europe be electric or plug-in hybrid by 2030 . Similarly, Renault's announcement of a €2 billion investment in its Spanish electric vehicle hub in Valladolid underscores the industry's unwavering focus on this segment. These strategic investments by domestic players not only solidify Spain's position as a key player in the European EV landscape but also create significant opportunities for the domestic automotive engine market.

According to the research report "Spain Automotive Engine Market Overview, 2029," published by Bonafide Research, the Spain Automotive Engine market is projected grow by more than 5% CAGR from 2024 to 2029. Spain's automotive engine market presents a fascinating microcosm of the wider European industry, throttled by stringent emissions regulations yet propelled by a robust domestic manufacturing base and increasing demand for electric vehicles (EVs). On the one hand, stricter Euro 6d emission standards implemented in 2020 have pushed car manufacturers to develop cleaner engines, fostering a significant market for internal combustion engines (ICEs) with advanced fuel injection systems, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) technology, and particulate filters. This focus on cleaner combustion translates to a growing demand for high-performance lubricants that can withstand higher operating temperatures and longer oil change intervals mandated by these engines. However, the path forward is not paved solely with traditional ICEs. Spain's ambition to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 and significant government subsidies are fueling a surge in electric vehicle (EV) adoption. This burgeoning EV market presents a unique challenge for the engine sector. While the need for traditional ICEs will persist in the near to mid-term, driven by replacement parts for the vast existing fleet and a continued preference for gasoline and diesel vehicles in rural areas, the long-term trend suggests a gradual decline. To counter this, Spanish engine manufacturers are strategically positioning themselves by investing heavily in research and development of electric powertrains and hybrid engine technology. This allows them to cater to both the present demand for cleaner ICEs and the inevitable shift towards electrification. Furthermore, Spain's thriving automotive manufacturing sector, accounting for nearly 20% of the country's total exports, plays a crucial role in shaping the engine market. The presence of major international car manufacturers like Renault, Ford, and Volkswagen, alongside the strong domestic player SEAT, creates a high demand for high-quality, technologically advanced engines. This, in turn, incentivizes local engine component suppliers to innovate and specialize in niche areas, creating a dynamic and competitive market.

Dominant in Spain, particularly for passenger cars. These engines offer a good balance of performance, fuel efficiency, and packaging efficiency, crucial factors for navigating narrow European streets and parking spaces. Four-cylinder in-line engines are the most popular, catering to the demand for affordable and practical vehicles. However, three-cylinder engines are gaining traction due to their even better fuel economy, especially for smaller city cars. Six-cylinder in-line engines are still used in some premium and high-performance passenger cars, but their market share is declining due to increasing displacement restrictions and taxation based on CO2 emissions. Traditionally associated with power and performance, V-type engines hold a smaller but significant share in Spain. They are typically found in premium sedans, SUVs, and sports cars. The "V" configuration allows for larger engine capacities and more power compared to in-line engines with similar displacement. However, V-type engines are generally heavier and less fuel-efficient, making them a less attractive option for the price-conscious Spanish consumer and with stricter emission regulations. The dominance of V8 engines is diminishing, with V6 engines becoming more prevalent due to a better balance between power and efficiency. W-type Engines are a rarity in the Spanish market. Their complex design and higher production costs make them less commercially viable compared to in-line and V-type engines. The limited number of high-end performance car buyers in Spain further restricts the market for W-type engines.

Despite a global push towards alternative fuels, gasoline remains the dominant fuel type for automotive engines in Spain. This is due to a combination of factors, including the extensive network of gasoline stations, the historically lower price point of gasoline compared to diesel, and the perception of gasoline engines being less complex and expensive to maintain. However, stricter emission regulations and government incentives for electric and hybrid vehicles are expected to gradually erode gasoline's market share in the coming years. Diesel engines have traditionally held a significant share in Spain, particularly for commercial vehicles and passenger cars used for long-distance travel. Their superior fuel efficiency and torque made them ideal for these applications. However, recent concerns over particulate matter emissions from diesel engines and government policies discouraging diesel vehicles have led to a decline in their popularity. This trend is expected to continue, with diesel engines primarily catering to specific segments like heavy-duty commercial vehicles where alternative fuel options are still under development. The "Other Fuel" segment in Spain's automotive engine market is currently a niche but evolving space. This includes engines powered by Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), and electric motors. LPG offers a cost-effective alternative to gasoline, particularly for budget-minded consumers, but infrastructure limitations hinder its widespread adoption. CNG is gaining traction for commercial vehicles due to its lower emissions and government support for sustainable transportation. Electric engines are experiencing the most significant growth, driven by government incentives, increasing consumer awareness of environmental issues, and a growing network of charging stations. The future of this segment hinges on advancements in battery technology, range anxiety mitigation, and the development of a robust charging infrastructure.

The largest segment of the Spanish automotive engine market, passenger cars are dominated by in-line engines, particularly three- and four-cylinder gasoline engines. The focus on affordability, fuel efficiency, and practicality for urban driving shapes this trend. However, there is a growing market for gasoline hybrids, especially among eco-conscious consumers in this segment. For premium passenger cars and high-performance models, V6 gasoline engines still hold a niche market share. The motorcycle market in Spain is diverse, with engine configurations varying depending on the type and purpose of the motorcycle. Small-displacement, single-cylinder and parallel-twin engines dominate the scooter and low-power motorcycle segments, prioritizing fuel efficiency and maneuverability in urban environments. Larger motorcycles used for touring and long-distance travel often have V-twin or inline-four engines, offering more power and torque for highway riding. High-performance motorcycles typically utilize inline-four or V4 engines for maximum power and speed. Commercial Vehicles utilize a wider range of engine types depending on the specific application. Light trucks often employ V6 engines for their ability to handle moderate loads. Heavy-duty trucks and buses rely on larger, more powerful diesel engines for their superior torque and towing capacity. However, the trend towards cleaner emissions is pushing for the adoption of alternative fuels like CNG in this segment. Special purpose vehicles employ a diverse range of engine types depending on their specific function. Construction machinery often utilizes powerful diesel engines for heavy lifting and operation in demanding environments. Agricultural machinery may employ diesel engines for larger tractors or gasoline engines for smaller equipment



Considered in this report
• Historic year: 2018
• Base year: 2023
• Estimated year: 2024
• Forecast year: 2029

Aspects covered in this report
• Automotive Engine market Outlook with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Product Type
• In-line Engine
• V-type Engine
• W Engine

By Fuel Type
• Gasoline
• Diesel
• Other Fuel

By Vehicle Type
• Passengers Car
• Motorcycles
• Commercial Vehicles (Trucks, Buses, Etc)
• Special Purpose Vehicles (Construction machinery, agricultural machinery, etc)

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary and secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list the companies that are present in it. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual reports of companies, and government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources, primary research was conducted by conducting telephone interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this; we have started making primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting them in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us, we can start verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations, and organizations related to the Automotive Engine industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing and presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.