In June 2024, EU car registrations increased by 4.3%, driven by gains in three out of the region’s four major markets: Italy (+15.1%), Germany (+6.1%), and Spain (+2.2%), according to new figures published by the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA). In contrast, France saw a decline of 4.8% last month.
European Union car registrations climbed 4.3% in June 2024, primarily driven by strong performances in Italy (+15.1%), Germany (+6.1%), and Spain (+2.2%). However, France bucked the trend with a 4.8% decline.
While the overall market saw a 4.5% increase in the first half of the year, reaching nearly 5.7 million units, registrations remain significantly below pre-pandemic levels (-18%). Major markets within the EU demonstrated modest growth: Spain (+5.9%), Germany (+5.4%), Italy (+5.4%), and France (+2.8%).
Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) experienced a slight decline in June (-1%), capturing 14.4% of the market (down from 15.1% in 2023). Despite strong growth in Belgium (+50.4%) and Italy (+117.4%), overall BEV registrations were hindered by double-digit drops in Germany (-18.1%), the Netherlands (-15%), and France (-10.3%). Consequently, BEV sales for the first half of 2024 increased modestly by 1.3% to 712,637 units, representing 12.5% of the market.
Plug-in hybrid sales plummeted 19.9% in June, with significant declines in Belgium (-49.2%), France (-21.7%), and Germany (-3.4%). This segment’s market share contracted to 6.1% (down from 7.9% in 2023).
Hybrid-electric vehicles emerged as the sole growth category, surging 26.4% in June to 321,959 units. All major markets contributed to this increase, with France (+34.9%), Italy (+27.2%), Spain (+23%), and Germany (+16.5%) leading the charge. Hybrids now account for 29.5% of the market, up from 24.4% in June 2023.
Petrol car sales held relatively steady, dipping 0.7% in June. While Germany (+12.1%) and Italy (+6.9%) saw growth, France (-20.2%) and Spain (-7.5%) experienced declines. Petrol cars now represent 34.4% of the market (down from 36.2% in 2023).
Diesel car sales followed a similar pattern, decreasing 0.9% overall. Germany (+12.4%) bucked the trend, while Italy (-18.3%), France (-8.3%), and Spain (-2.1%) reported declines. Diesel market share stood at 12.7% in June.
[source: ACEA]
