Dacia loses speed in 2026: Major sales declines in Germany and Spain

Dacia sales collapse in Germany, Spring model in free fall

Falling from the European "throne" is never easy, and the beginning of 2026 seems to be a cold shower for the manufacturer from Mioveni. After a historic 2025, in which Dacia Sandero looked down on the entire car market on the continent, the first two months of the new year bring "red" numbers in strategic markets such as Germany and Spain.

Here is an analysis of the difficult moment the Romanian brand is going through and the reasons behind this unexpected setback.

1. Germany: A large market with corresponding declines

The German market, Europe's economic engine, seems to have turned its back on Dacia models in February. Although the situation has improved compared to the "disaster" of January (where the decrease was 45%), the figures remain worrying.

• Total sales in February: 4,077 units (-15%).
• Dacia Spring: It is the "black sheep" of the report, with a 65% collapse. Only 111 Germans own the small electric model, a clear sign that the elimination of subsidies and fierce competition from Chinese models have had their say.
• Core models: Even the stars of the range weren't spared. The Sandero fell 30% and the Duster SUV fell 38% in February.

The situation in numbers (Germany - First 2 months 2026)

2. Spain: Sandero holds up, the rest of the range "pedals" on empty

If the situation in Germany is critical, in Spain we are talking about a slower but present "erosion". The overall decline of the brand was 4.95%, but beneath the surface there are volume problems for the larger models.

Dacia Sandero remains a phenomenon in Spain, achieving a 5% increase in February, but the enthusiasm fades when we look at the overall picture of the first two months: a decrease of 18.65% compared to the previous year.

The brand's new bet, Dacia Bigster, managed to convince only 412 Spanish customers in February, a modest figure for a model that is expected to raise the brand's profitability in the C segment.

3. Why is Dacia declining? The factors behind the numbers

It's easy to blame the models, but the economic context plays a key role:

1. The "High Base" Effect: Dacia sold enormously in 2025. Any reporting on a record year will highlight declines, even if gross volumes remain, theoretically, at an honest level.
2. The Cheap Electrics Crisis: Dacia Spring is no longer the only affordable option. Rivals are coming strong from behind, and German consumers, without government subsidies, are becoming much more demanding.
3. Waiting for the Bigster: In certain markets, Duster customers may delay their purchase to see how the Bigster performs "in real life", leading to a temporary cannibalization of sales.

"Dacia has staked everything on simplicity and fair pricing. But in a European market marked by inflation and changes in subsidies, even the Mioveni recipe needs recalibration."

What's next?

The next few months will be decisive. Dacia must demonstrate that the Bigster can become a volume pillar, not just an image exercise, and that it can revitalize interest in the Spring through an even more aggressive pricing strategy.