Middle Eastern motorists replace vehicles more than twice as often as US drivers

Motorists in the Middle East replace their cars more than twice as often as those in the US, according to a new study.

Online car classified site Carmudi analysed hundreds of thousands of vehicles listed in its operating regions in the last quarter to determine the average age of vehicles.

The results showed vehicles listed in the Middle East were on average 5.1 years old, Asia 6.5 years old and Africa 12.8 years old.

This compares to the average age of a vehicle in the US at 11.5 years, according to a recent study by IHS.

Carmudi said that cheaper fuel costs and higher GDP per capita in the Middle East meant vehicles were replaced more often. The average age of vehicles listed in Saudi Arabia was 3.8 years, jumping to 5.2 years in the UAE. Although a recent 24 per cent jump in fuel prices in the latter could see a surge in replacement activity, as motorists replace their vehicles with smaller more fuel efficient models.

“The diverse economy in the region, higher bracket of incomes and consistent offers from dealerships and banks have lead to an ease in car purchasing. As a result, the average age of vehicles on the road is much lower,” said Carmudi Middle East managing director Mohamed Noweir.

This compares to Africa where the decline of economies, including Nigeria, had made motorists more reluctant to replace their vehicles. The average Nigerian vehicle was 10.6 years old, while Carmudi said the average vehicle listed in Congo was 16.5 years old.

The company also predicted that the average age of vehicles listed in Asia would decrease to six years within the next two years.

Carmudi said today’s higher quality cars last longer than in the past, meaning the average age of vehicles is likely to slowly increase.

“The diverse economy in the region, higher bracket of incomes and consistent offers from dealerships and banks have lead to an ease in car purchasing. As a result, the average age of vehicles on the road is much lower,” said Carmudi Middle East managing director Mohamed Noweir.