In Italy, "KM0" (zero kilometre) cars are new vehicles registered by dealers or manufacturers to meet sales targets and then sold on as practically new. When the Italian market cannot absorb them, this stock becomes available to dealers in other European countries, often at interesting net prices. Here is what is happening in 2026 and how buying a batch works.
1. KM0 cars in Italy in 2026
The Italian car market is growing in 2026, and self-registrations, the cars registered by dealers and manufacturers and then sold as KM0, are growing with it.
| Indicator | Figure |
|---|---|
| Car registrations January–September 2026 | 1,268,964 (+8.7%) |
| Self-registration share, September 2026 | 13.9% |
| KM0 share, April 2026 | over 10% |
| Brands with the highest KM0 share of their sales (April 2026) | Hyundai 26.8% · BYD 18.7% · Fiat 18.1% · Jeep 17.1% · MG 16.0% |
Source: Motorbox and SicurAuto analyses of 2026 market data
More than one in ten new cars in Italy starts life as a KM0. For some brands it is almost one in four.
2. Why Italian dealers sell KM0 stock abroad
Tied-up capital: every KM0 car on the lot is money standing still, often financed, which costs the dealer every week.
Depreciation: as months go by, the registration date gets older and the car loses value. With the new year, a KM0 registered in 2026 becomes "last year's car".
Rising discounts: to clear stock, discounts in Italy can reach 20% or more. Selling a batch abroad at an agreed net price is often the better option.
3. Why it can be an opportunity for you
Net prices: you buy at a net price without Italian VAT, and a well-priced Italian batch can leave you a margin in your own market.
Cars available now: KM0 cars are ready, with no production waiting times.
Batches: several cars of the same model, with one transport and one payment.
Practically new cars: very low mileage and a recent registration date.
Always check that versions, colours, engines and equipment suit your market: they vary a lot from country to country.
4. What to check before buying
- The full list: model, version, engine, colour, main options, registration date, mileage, VIN and net price for each car.
- COC (Certificate of Conformity): you need it to register the car in your country.
- Export deregistration: the Italian seller deregisters the car for export before it leaves Italy, and the Italian plates are returned.
- Invoice: as an EU buyer with a valid VAT number (checked on the VIES system), you receive a VAT-exempt intra-community invoice. For VAT, documents and transport, see our full guide.
- Payment and collection: the usual process is confirmation with a proforma invoice, bank transfer, then collection of the cars with your own transport.
How we work
We source KM0 and used car batches from Italian dealers and offer them to buyers across Europe. Invoice and payment always go directly to the supplier, and transport is organised by the buyer.
Looking for KM0 cars for your market? Tell us what you need.