In July 2024, new car registrations across the European Union experienced a slight uptick, growing by 0.2% compared to the same period last year. The region’s four major markets displayed mixed results, with Italy (+4.7%) and Spain (+3.4%) showing moderate gains. However, France (-2.3%) and Germany (-2.1%) faced declines, according to ACEA.

Source: ACEA

Over the first seven months of 2024, the overall market grew by 3.9%, reaching over 6.5 million units. This growth reflects a recovery from a low base the previous year. Spain (+5.6%), Italy (+5.2%), Germany (+4.3%), and France (+2.2%) all contributed to this positive trend, albeit with modest increases.

Source: ACEA

Electric vehicles and the changing market landscape

One of the most notable trends in the automotive market continues to be the shifting focus towards electric vehicles (EVs). In July 2024, battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) held a 12.1% market share, although this marked a slight decline from 13.5% in the previous year. The total number of BEVs registered in July fell by 10.8% to 102,705 units.

Despite significant gains in Belgium (+44.2%), the Netherlands (+8.9%), and a small increase in France (+1%), the overall decline in BEV registrations was driven largely by a sharp drop in Germany (-36.8%). From January to July 2024, a total of 815,399 BEVs were registered, accounting for 12.5% of the market.

Decline in petrol and diesel car sales

Traditional petrol and diesel vehicles continued to lose ground in July. Petrol car registrations fell by 7%, now making up 33.4% of the market, down from 35.9% in July 2023. Diesel cars saw an even steeper decline of 10.1%, with their market share dropping to 12.6%. While Germany saw a slight increase in diesel sales (+1.4%), major markets like Italy (-24.6%), France (-23.9%), and Spain (-11.6%) all recorded substantial losses.

Rise of hybrid vehicles

Hybrid-electric vehicles, on the other hand, showed a strong performance in July 2024, with registrations soaring by 25.7% to 273,003 units. This surge was reflected across all major markets: France (+47.4%), Spain (+31.5%), Germany (+22.4%), and Italy (+17.4%). As a result, hybrid-electric vehicles increased their market share to 32%, up from 25.5% a year earlier.

A market in transition

The data from July 2024 underscores a broader transition in the European automotive market. While traditional petrol and diesel cars are in decline, the market for electric and hybrid vehicles continues to evolve, reflecting both consumer preferences and regulatory pressures. However, the mixed performance of electric vehicles highlights ongoing challenges in the sector, particularly in key markets like Germany. As the year progresses, it will be crucial to monitor how these trends develop and what they mean for the future of mobility in Europe.