Registered vehicles, 2007

At the end of 2007 more than 2.5 million cars were registered in Norway. This is an increase of more than 100 000 from the year before. A total of 2 153 730 private cars and 361 911 vans had Norwegian number plates at the end of 2007. The number of private cars rose by 3.4 per cent in 2007, while the number of vans rose by 9.3 per cent.

99 885 cars were scrapped for refund during 2007, against 105 324 the year before.

More cars, fewer buses

There was an increase in the number of registered vehicles for almost all types of vehicles. Motorbikes had the biggest growth with 10.8 per cent, followed by vans with 9.3 per cent. On the other hand, there was a corresponding decrease of 9.3 per cent for combined vehicles. These are cars that can be used both for the transport of passengers and goods. The number of buses also dropped. At the end of 2007 there were 1750 fewer registered buses than one year earlier. This is a decrease of 6.5 per cent. The rise for private cars of 3.4 per cent equals 70 644 cars.

Out of a total of 2 153 730 private cars registered at the end of 2007, 13.2 per cent were a Volkswagen, while 11.8 per cent were a Toyota. Opel and Ford accounted for 7.5 and 7.3 per cent of the private cars respectively. For vans, Toyota accounted for 18.5 per cent and Volkswagen 17.6 per cent. Ford came third, with a share of 6.9 per cent.

Decrease in average age of vans

The Norwegian private cars were on average 10.2 years old at the end of 2007. This has remained stable for four years. The average age of vans, however, is decreasing. At the end of 2007, the average age of registered vans was 6.8 years against 7.3 years at the end of 2004. 9 per cent of the private cars were more than 20 years old, while only 4.3 per cent of the vans had reached this age.

Lower age at scrapping

The average age of private cars scrapped in 2007 was 18.9 years. One year earlier the average age at scrapping was 19.0 years. The scrapped vans were 15.3 years on average in 2007 against 15.5 years in 2006. Three of the most common private car makes had an average age of 20 years or more when scrapped. These were Mercedes Benz, Volvo and Saab.

When using this material, the makes' market share over time should be taken into consideration. It must also be emphasised that the average age of scrapped vehicles of different makes cannot necessarily be used as an estimate of the age of the corresponding vehicles manufactured today.

As of 1 January 2007, the responsibility for the collection and handling of wrecked cars was transferred from the State to the car industry.

Tables:

• Table 1 Stock of vehicles and population, by county. 2007
• Table 2 Average age of private car or van, by county of residence of the vehicle owner. 31 December
• Table 3 Number of private cars currently licensed, by age and make. Average vehicle age. 31 December 2007
• Table 4 Percentage of private cars currently registered, by make and age. 31 December 2007
• Table 5 Vans currently licensed, by age and make. 31 December 2007
• Table 6 Percentage of vans currently licensed, by make and age. 31 December 2007
• Table 7 Vehicles scrapped for refund, by county. 2007
• Table 8 Private cars scrapped for refund, by make
• Table 9 Vans scrapped for refund, by make