The boom in importing new cars for dealerships makes the port of Malaga look small.

The Port of Málaga is experiencing a boom in a market segment where it has achieved a leadership position, namely the importation of new factory-produced vehicles. The growth of these operations in recent months has been such that the designated areas, primarily pier 9 and its surroundings, have become too small and are overwhelmed.

To alleviate this situation and allow these goods to continue arriving, the Port Authority has temporarily authorized operators to park newly arrived cars at piers 4 and 5. Concurrently, both this institution and the companies are looking for storage areas with sufficient capacity and good connections in the 'Hinterland', which is the area of influence in the interior of the province.

The fact is, to the car brands that were already working with Málaga, mainly Renault-Dacia from their factory in Tangier (Morocco) to Spain, and also Ford, three Chinese brands have recently joined: BYD, Omoda, and Jaecoo. Therefore, it is not surprising that the number of vehicles destined for dealerships that have been moved so far this year amounts to 83,725. This figure is 35% more than what was recorded at the end of September 2024 (61,823). In fact, by this point in 2025, it has almost matched the total for 2024: 86,466.

Arrival of Cars from China

Just last week, 3,282 units were mobilized in the Malaga bay, which led to part of piers 4 and 5 being enabled to accumulate cars, mainly Renault and Dacia. This significant jump has two main reasons, according to sources from the port logistics sector: on one hand, the strong increase in demand for new cars by individuals and companies in Spain and Portugal, which leads dealerships to order more from the factory.

83,725

vehicles destined for dealerships have been moved so far this year through the Port of Málaga. This figure is 35% more than what was recorded at the end of September 2024 (61,823). In fact, by this point in 2025, it has almost matched the total for 2024: 86,466.

In addition, in Málaga's case, the fact that the main operator, Noatum, has taken over the management of the maritime routes of the Chinese manufacturer Chery, which owns the brands Omoda and Jaecoo; as well as BYD. Together, they will soon reach five unloadings in the Malaga bay during this fiscal year. These are in addition to the services for Renault, Dacia, and, to a lesser extent, Ford.

The situation is 'complicated', as the entry of containers is also increasing, which occupy a good part of Noatum's concession at pier 9. This perfect storm is what has forced the request for the temporary use of the mentioned alternative spaces for storage. This week in the port, about 6,600 units have been accumulated, of which 6,000 are in the campa at 9, and 600 in the area closest to Soho (this area has the capacity to accommodate up to 1,000).

The cars remain there for a maximum of four to five days, until they are taken to the dealerships and to the final buyers. From the port logistics sector, they insist that, thanks to these efforts and customer satisfaction, this type of cargo is consolidating and increasing year by year.

New Record

The president of the Port Authority, Carlos Rubio, highlights the commercial work that has been deployed by this organization, "which is yielding results." Along with this, he mentions Noatum's commitment to this market, through its subsidiary Autoterminal. The maritime leader explains what the turning point was: "In the supply chain of Renault, they had problems, as they could not release the cars manufactured in Tangier. At that critical moment, Málaga provided a very agile solution, which helped us to strengthen ties and we became their trusted port in the south of the peninsula."

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Subsequently, it was the Chinese manufacturers who took notice of the capabilities of the Malaga port. "They saw our way of operating and decided to trust us." Consequently, pier 4 has also filled up with automobiles, "and that, despite the fact that we have achieved great agility in the departures, as we have improved the efficiency of the rotations and trucks are continuously leaving via Pacifico Street."

As a culmination, Rubio announces that this year will end with a new record, with close to 100,000 units mobilized, thus surpassing the historical maximum of 2024. However, he warns that piers 4 and 5 have temporary authorizations to use them as storage areas, although the vocation of that space in a few months will return to serve, as it did in the recent past, for a future merchandise line with Tangier.

The Port and operators seek space to store vehicles in Los Prados and in the north of the province

The lack of space in the port enclosure is now pressing. So much so that the Port Authority, together with the logistics operators, are looking for storage areas in the area of influence ('Hinterland') in the interior of the province for the temporary storage of the new vehicles that are arriving.

On one hand, the private sector has located a suitable area in the north, near the border with Granada. On the other hand, at the institutional level, port leaders are negotiating with Adif to take over the railway logistics platform of Los Prados, on the outskirts of the capital, which is currently unused. "They must be locations that do not become too expensive, because in vehicle logistics every cent counts. And with that premise, we are looking for external storage to continue growing, because otherwise, we will be blocked," warns the president of the Port Authority.

"The port can no longer cope. The maximum storage capacity is around 8,000 units, which is enormous, but a ship can bring 2,000 in one go," adds Carlos Rubio. The Adif platform will allow not only the accumulation of vehicles but also containers and bulk goods, which can arrive by train. "To facilitate rail-port operations, Los Prados is an essential platform for us."