Local media outlets, as part of the Saretzen initiative, have gathered and published data concerning vehicles. Based on the latest available figures from 2024 provided by the General Directorate of Traffic, the average age of vehicles is on the rise: vehicles in Debagoiena are, on average, 2 years older than in 2014; those in the Basque Autonomous Community (CAPV) are 2.1 years older; and those in Navarre are 2.3 years older.
Harkaitz Plazaola, sales manager at Easo Car Ocasion, explains that this is a general trend, particularly since 2020. "That year was a turning point – with electrification and the rising cost of automotive components – which increased citizens' hesitation when buying a new vehicle," he stated. Consequently, the vehicle fleet has aged across the Basque Country, Spain, and Europe, a trend confirmed by the increased workload in workshops.
In the Valley, most vehicles are between 15 and 25 years old (35%). The second largest group consists of those aged between 8 and 15 years (26%), and 16% are between 4 and 8 years old.
Changes are also evident in fuel types. Diesel remains dominant, but with a downward trend: in Debagoiena, vehicles running on this fuel type accounted for 61% in 2014, and 10 years later, this figure stands at 55%. Gasoline, conversely, has risen from 37% to 43%. Electrified vehicles also show an upward trend, albeit very modest, not yet reaching 1% of the total fleet.
Regardless of vehicle type, the overall fleet continues to grow. In Debagoiena, 2014 saw 644 vehicles per 1,000 inhabitants (41,400 in total), while in 2024, this number rose to 691 (44,565 in total). Passenger cars constitute the majority, and their presence, along with that of vans and motorcycles, is increasing year by year. Conversely, mopeds and trucks have seen a decrease in numbers.
Not only the number of vehicles but also the number of drivers has increased. In Debagoiena, there were 593 drivers per 1,000 inhabitants in 2014; ten years later, this figure reached 603. Proportionally, Aramaio has experienced the most significant growth in driver numbers (from 664 to 718), while Arrasate is the only town in the valley that has proportionally lost drivers (from 582 to 574).
Statistics indicate that smaller towns lead larger ones in the ranking: per 1,000 inhabitants, there are 718 drivers in Aramaio; 663 in Elgeta; 656 in Antzuola; 641 in Leintz Gatzaga; 623 in Eskoriatza; 612 in Bergara; 608 in Aretxabaleta; 607 in Oñati; and 574 in Arrasate.
Women have primarily influenced the increase in driver numbers in Debagoiena. Data shows that in 2014, 487 out of every 1,000 women were drivers, and in 2024, this figure rose to 505. For men, 700 out of every 1,000 men were drivers then, and now, a decade later, it is 702. Currently, Elgeta has the smallest difference between male and female drivers (56% and 44% respectively), while Arrasate has the largest (59% and 41%). Among Debagoiena's drivers, 58% are men and 42% are women.
