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EU new-car registrations boosted in first quarter by strong March

Robust demand pushed the EU new-car market to year-on-year growth in the first quarter of 2026. Rising electric vehicle (EV) sales prevailed as a significant catalyst for growth. But is a familiar powertrain still dominating sales? James Roberts, Autovista24 web editor, unpicks the latest data. In March, 1,158,317 new vehicles were registered across the EU, according to Autovista24 calculations of ACEA data. This equated to a 12.5% year-on-year lift. Overall, in March, 24 of the 27 EU states recorded new-car market growth. Assessing the first quarter of 2026, this strong March performance helped boost the EU’s overall new-car market. After three months of the year, 2,822,617 new vehicles reached EU customers according to Autovista24 analysis of ACEA data. This ensured a healthy 4% raise, amounting to an additional 107,912 units. Electric sales increase Sales of EVs, spanning battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in-hybrid vehicles (PHEVs), continued to increase in the first quarter. The EU’s four biggest markets, Germany, Italy, France, and Spain, all saw double-digit BEV volume increases in the month. This figure has been helped by domestic tax benefits and incentive schemes. However, some countries have seen consumer sentiment turn towards electrification, particularly as petrol and diesel prices increased. Hybrid powertrains, including both mild and full-hybrid versions, also made gains. Consistently the preferred choice for EU consumers, the powertrain made it over the one-million-unit mark in the first quarter. Despite this high watermark, a peak to hybrid demand could be in the rear-view mirror. New petrol vehicles are helping keep the share of internal-combustion engine (ICE) cars above EVs. This gap is narrowing, but is it closing fast enough to satisfy EU goals to phase out new petrol and diesel sales by 2030? Hybrids hold the cards The best-selling powertrain choice for new cars across the EU was hybrids. March saw 444,835 models featuring the technology roll off the bloc’s forecourts. This equated to a 20.1% volume increase and a 38.4% slice of the new-car market, up 2.4 percentage points (pp). Over the first three months of 2026, hybrid volumes increased by 12.8% year on year, with 1,089,421 units accounted for. This underscored a consistently high EU new-car market share of 38.6%, up 3pp. In the first quarter, hybrid registrations increased in 20 of the 27 EU states. Despite eye-catching EV sales growth, the larger markets saw hybrid volumes stay high. After three months of the year, these volumes outweighed both BEV and PHEV figures. Hybrid sales in Italy and Spain scored double-digit increases at 25.8% and 18.5%, respectively. Meanwhile, Germany saw an upswing of 7.4%, and France a modest gain of 3.1%. Other markets scored notable year-on-year hybrid gains in the first quarter. This included Austria with 30.2%, Czechia 14.5%, and Portugal 44.9% Bulgaria witnessed the highest hybrid percentage gain of 114.2% with 647 units registered. Estonia also saw triple-digit gains amounting to 109.3% and 2,286 units. EU EV sales on the right track? Three months into 2026, total EV sales, combining BEV and PHEV volumes, reached 815,281 units in the EU. This marked a 195,466-unit boost, equating to a 31.5% year-on-year increase. This cumulative gain carved out a 28.9% market share, up 6.1pp. BEVs made up the majority of EV registrations, with 546,937 all-electric cars making their way to EU customers. This 32.5% increase in volumes ensured a 19.4% market share, up 4.2pp. Germany enjoyed a year-on-year BEV registrations increase of 41.3% in the first three months of 2026. March helped with the country recording its biggest BEV registration increase and market share since August 2023. Despite ending the first quarter with an overall new-car market drop of 2.1%, France saw a positive BEV result. It was second only to Germany in terms of unit volumes, with 112,083 units delivered. Buoyed by Subsidies, income-based schemes, and company-car tax changes, this trend has helped stabilise the market. Spain’s new-car market impressed in 2025, but EV incentives are being ironed out for this year. However, between January and March, BEV volumes still increased by 41.6%. This is compared with early 2025, which saw inflated market results spurred by aid packages for flood-hit regions. PHEVs helping electrify EU markets Alongside BEV improvements, PHEV registrations continued to grow. In total, 268,344 PHEVs made their way to EU customers between January and March. This marked a 29.7% uptick, securing a 9.5% new-car market share, an increase of 1.9pp year on year. PHEV demand allowed Italy to return strong EV results in the three-month period. While BEV volumes improved by 65.7%, PHEV sales climbed to 40,052, a 110.1% surge. While petrol and diesel deliveries fell in the country, EVs and hybrids enabled market-wide growth of 9.2%. Austria witnessed healthy BEV uptake in the first quarter, with a 22.4% volume increase. Coupled with a 45.6% rise in PHEV sales, this pushed the country’s new-car market to a gain of 17%. Similarly, Poland continued to impress. PHEV power proved irresistible in the EU’s fifth-largest market. In the first three months of the year, the powertrain’s volumes increased by 10.5%, with 11,684 taking to Polish roads. Almost half of these units were registered in March. Balkan boost The most eye-catching EV sales bounce occurred in Croatia. The Balkan nation enjoyed a 282.4% increase in all-electric registrations to 780 units. This has seemingly been achieved with the help of an incentive scheme. Additionally, year-on-year PHEV registrations increased by 145.8%, leaping to 1,094 deliveries between January and March this year. Slovenia also saw a significant turn towards plug-in powertrains. BEV volumes increased 78.2% year on year, with 2,297 sales, while PHEV volumes rose 44.5% to 734 units. The country also saw healthy hybrid increases of 18.5% as well as a marginal petrol registration growth of 1.8%. As the EU new-car market enters the fourth month of the year, one pattern is emerging. EVs are playing a significant part in bolstering EU members’ new-car market fortunes, large and small. Adding hybrid volumes to BEV and PHEV sales across the bloc saw a total of 1,904,702 new vehicles sold between January and March. This ensured a dominant market share of 67.5%, a year-on-year gain of 9.1pp. Petrol remains a choice amid EU electrification Three months into 2026, the EU recorded 636,502 new petrol car registrations. While this marked an 18.2% year-on-year slide, it equated to a 22.6% market share, the second largest after hybrids. Significantly, petrol sales also exceeded BEV and PHEV figures. In total, just five EU nations witnessed petrol registration improvements. The highest came in Estonia, with a 106.3% year-on-year climb. Austria saw a 4.3% improvement. This was boosted by a strong March, where 8,181 new petrol variants were registered in the country. In the larger markets, falling petrol sales proved prevalent in the first quarter. France saw the biggest drop at 40.3%, then Italy at 18.6%, followed by Spain at 18.1%, and Germany at 16.1%. Combined petrol and diesel units topped out at 855,067 across the EU in the first three months of 2026. This gave new ICE registrations a 30.3% hold over the market, down 7.9pp year-on-year, but still 1.4pp ahead of the EV market share. While petrol still provides a relatively popular mainstream new-car choice, diesel continues to decline. Between January and March, 218,565 new vehicles made their way to customers, down 15.7%, returning a 7.7% market share, falling 1.8pp year on year. Just four nations recorded growth for the fuel type.
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New BEV market growth continues at pace in Australia

February continued a strong start to 2026 for battery-electric vehicle (BEV) sales in Australia. New and established carmakers are competing for ground in the country, but which models are leading the way so far? James Roberts, Autovista24 web editor, investigates. In total, 11,101 new BEVs were sold in Australia during February, according to the latest data from EV Volumes. This was a rise from 5,707 in February 2025, marking a year-on-year increase of 94.5%. After the first two months of 2026, BEV sales reached 18,656 units, up from 9,577 in the same period of 2025. This meant that BEV numbers increased by 94.8% in Australia. So far, 2026 has confirmed Australia’s BEV market as a crucible of intensifying competition. In particular, the established fixture of Tesla is facing a challenge to its supremacy with multiple model offerings from BYD. Added to this mix, Geely, along with its Zeekr brand, are disrupting the established all-electric order. Tesla on top in February For now, Tesla remains at the top of Australia’s BEV model chart, thanks to a strong performance from its Model Y in February. It captured 25.1% of the overall BEV market, up 8.9 percentage points (pp) compared with 12 months prior. The venerable BEV saw 2,791 units delivered in the month, ensuring a 202.1% year-on-year volume upswing. This was a record February result for the model, with Tesla often posting more sales during end-of-quarter months. Taking into account total BEV sales two months of the year, the Model Y led the way with 3,079 units. This was good enough for a 16.5% market share. In second, BYD’s BEV challenger the Sealion 7 saw 1,327 vehicles reach customers in Australia. A huge 745.2% boost in year-on-year sales affirmed the domestic popularity of the all-electric SUV. This was coupled with a BEV market share of 12%, up 9.2pp year on year. February marked 12 months of sales for the Sealion 7, recording 15,908 deliveries in that period, according to EV Volumes. This places it as the fourth best-selling BEV overall in Australia. Combining January and February’s data, the Sealion 7 was hot on the heels of the Model Y. It trailed the US BEV by 581 units, with 2,498 sales and a 13.4% market share. Changing of the BEV market guard? The Zeekr 7X rounded out Australia’s BEV top three in February. After six months on the market, the mid-sized SUV saw 628 units leave forecourts in the month. This ensured a 5.7% share. It also held third place after two months of the year, with 1,046 deliveries and a 5.6% market share. Despite a 27.7% year-on-year volume drop, the Tesla Model 3 secured fourth with 483 units sold. This did mean the US BEV’s market share fell to 4.4%, a year-on-year decline of 7.3pp. February confirmed the Geely EX5 as a serious player in Australia. The Chinese SUV saw 416-unit sales, putting it fifth. This continued an unbroken streak of triple-digit sales since its launch in March 2025. It carved out a 3.7% BEV market share in the month. Sixth went to a relative BEV market veteran in the shape of the MG4. Since its launch in August 2023, the compact hatchback has sold 13,719 units. In February it saw a robust 406 deliveries, a respectable result for the model. However, this performance was overshadowed by increased competition. Amid a 10% year-on-year fall in sales, the MG4 saw its market share slide by 4.2pp. BYD making wider BEV market waves On the back of a promising January, a trio of BYD BEVs continued a strong top 10 showing in February. More importantly, the Chinese manufacturer made a considerable impact in the year-to-date table. After almost three and a half years in the Australian market, the BYD Atto 3 remained popular in the month. This was affirmed by the model taking seventh with 384 units sold, marking a 178.3% year-on-year surge. This helped increase the Chinese BEV’s market share up by 1.1pp to 3.5%. The BYD Atto 1 secured ninth place. Joining the Australian BEV market in late 2025, this small and affordable EV has hit the ground running. The month returned a second, triple-digit volume, with 349 sales and a 3.1% market share. Rounding out the top 10 was the BYD Atto 2. This small SUV is emerging as a popular choice for BEV customers in Australia. It is also proving to be a genuine market disruptor. February saw a fourth month on the market, and 347 sales. However, it is in the year-to-date stakes where this small BEV impresses. Cumulative sales so far this year place the Atto 2 as the fourth best-selling BEV, with 909 units. As Australia’s most affordable SUV, according to RACV, its impressive 4.9% market share will surely grow this year. Despite not making the February top 10, a consistent performance helped the BYD Seal finished eighth two months into 2026. It gained with 597 sales in that period. Will Chery be on top in 2026? February also saw strong showings from Chery-owned brands. In just its second month on the BEV market, the Jaecoo J5 secured eighth with 369 sales and a 3.3% market share. This strong start was enough to ensure 10th place in the cumulative standings. In total, 584 units made their way to customers across January and February. Sister brand Omoda also enjoyed a strong start to 2026. The company’s E5 BEV reached 299 sales, placing it 16th with combined January and February volumes.
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How are major markets influencing global EV sales results?

Total new electric vehicle (EV) sales fell across the world in February. But which markets and models drove this result? Autovista24 editor Tom Geggus explores EV Volumes’ latest data. Sales of new EVs, including battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), fell globally in February. Combined, 1,014,980 plug-in units took to the roads, down by 16.5% year on year, according to the latest data from EV Volumes. Figures for the first two months of the year were cushioned by a less severe 9.5% drop in January. This still equated to a cumulative year-on-year decline of 12.6%, as volumes of EVs reached 2,179,155 units. Of the two powertrains, PHEV sales saw a greater decline. Including extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs), deliveries fell by 20.6% across the first two months of the year to 715,698 units. In February alone, the powertrain recorded a 22% drop in volumes to 328,243 units. However, PHEVs only accounted for 32.3% of EV sales in the month, with fully-electric cars accounting for over two thirds. BEV deliveries saw a relatively smaller 13.6% decline. This meant 686,737 newly sold cars featured all-electric technology in February. Across the first two months of 2026, this tallied to 1,463,457 units, down 8.1% year on year. Regional EV performance China, as the world’s biggest EV market by volume, led a trend of declines for both powertrains in February. While Chinese New Year fell on 17 February, the sales decreases surpassed a seasonal effect. EV Volumes confirmed BEVs, PHEVs and fuel-cell EVs were omitted from the country’s strategic five-year development plan for emerging industries. Additionally, EVs are no longer exempt from purchase tax, with a 2026 rate of 5% and 10% from 2027 onwards. The end of the national EV subsidy scheme and suspension of scrappage programmes in several cities also compounded this effect. Across January and February, China saw deliveries of PHEVS fall by 37.9% year on year. With 54.6% of the technology’s sales occurring in the country, this was a driving factor behind the global decline. Among the world’s other big PHEV markets, the US also saw a decline, with 51.4% fewer new models leaving forecourts. However, the country only represented 3.5% of the market across January and February. Global figures were helped by strong growth in Germany, the UK and Italy. Parallel BEV performance The global BEV market was broadly parallel, with 41.6% of the powertrain’s sales occurring in China. Over the first two months of 2026, deliveries of the technology declined by 29.7% year on year in the country. The US also struggled with BEV sales in the first two months of the year, with deliveries down by 32.4%. As the second-biggest global market for all-electric technology, this added to the overall decline. However, the figures were helped by good performances in Europe. Germany and France both posted double-digit improvements, while the UK avoided a drop, according to EV Volumes data. Tesla Model Y out in front The Tesla Model Y was the best-selling BEV across the world in February, delivering 68,556 units. This represented a year-on-year increase of 34.8%, as its market share climbed by 3.6 percentage points (pp) to 10%. The positive result pushed the model’s market share to 8.4% in the first two months of 2026. This gave it a sizeable lead over second place. February’s chart saw the Tesla Model 3 take second, despite its sales dropping 21.2% to 31,189 units. It accounted for 4.5% of global BEV deliveries, down 0.5pp from February 2025. This put it in third two months into the year, with 47,409 sales equating to a 3.2% market share. The BYD Seagull, also known as the Dolphin Surf in some markets, finished third in February. Its deliveries dropped by 33.4% to 20,600 units, meaning its market share slid by 0.9pp to 3%. Despite a weak January, the model still held a 2.6% share across the first two months of the year, putting it in fourth. Thanks to a good domestic result, the Xiaomi YU7 was the fourth-best-selling new BEV across the world in February. It saw 20,131 sales and a 2.9% market share. With a similar strong run in January, the Chinese model sat second in the cumulative chart. Despite being 64,951 units behind first, this was impressive for a model which first recorded deliveries in June 2025. A more recent arrival, the Li Auto I6 took fifth in February after launching in September last year. Its 15,997 units represented 2.3% of all new BEV sales. It also took fifth across the first two months of 2026 with a slightly smaller share of 2.2%. Highs and lows The second half of February’s global BEV table saw the Geely Geome Xingyuan, also known as the EX2, come sixth. However, its 13,596 sales were down 52.4% year on year. This meant its market share slipped from 3.6% to 2%. The model took a 2.1% share in the cumulative results with 30,038 sales. The Nio ES8, also known as the EL8, took seventh in February. Its deliveries climbed by 2321.7% to 11,818 units. It accounted for 1.7% of all BEV sales, up 1.6pp. This put it ahead of the Geely Geome Xingyuan between January and February, with 30,374 units moved and a 2.1% market share. In the monthly results, the Toyota bZ4X was eighth with its sales rising by 154.1% to 11,203 units. It claimed a 1.6% share, up 1pp. This put its cumulative hold on the market at 1.4% after a weaker January. Two BYD models closed out February’s table. The BYD Yuan Up, also known as the Atto 2, came ninth with 10,035 deliveries, down 38.7%. Its share slumped by 0.6pp to 1.5%. The model closed out the cumulative table in 10th with a 1.4% share. The BYD Dolphin was next, seeing a more gradual sales decline of 4.6% to 9,761 units. This gave it a 1.4% grip on the market, up 0.1pp. The BEV came eighth across January and February with a 1.7% share. BYD takes top two The BYD Song Pro was the best-selling new PHEV across the world in February. It recorded 13,130 deliveries, which was down 33.5% year on year as its market share shrank by 0.7pp to 4%. It took second across the first two months of the year with a 3.7% grip on the global PHEV market. The BYD Song Plus, also known as the Seal U, felt an even sharper decline. With results dropping 57.5%, it recorded 11,183 sales. The model accounted for 3.4% of all PHEV deliveries, down from 6.3% in February 2025. It came third in the cumulative table with a 3.6% share. Not far behind in February was the Fang Cheng Bao Tai 7. First recording sales in the second half of 2025, it counted 11,078 deliveries in February, taking a share of 3.4%. However, it took first place and a 4% share across the first two months of 2026. Fourth in February was the BYD Seal 6. Its sales dropped by 48.7% to 6,489 units. This drove its share down to 2% from 3% a year prior. The Aito M7 was close behind as its sales climbed by 24.5% to 6,479 units. This sent its share upwards by 0.8pp to 2% in the month. Established models see declines With 6,120 sales, deliveries of the BYD Qin Plus were down by 63.4%. Its share dropped by more than half to 1.9%. The Li Auto L6 was seventh with a 1.6% hold over the market, down from 3.1% a year earlier. It recorded 5,190 units, down by 60.6%. First recording sales in September 2025, the Zeekr 9X managed 5,095 sales, taking a 1.6% share. The Jaecoo J7 strengthened its grip on the market by 1.1pp to 1.5%. This was thanks to a sales increase of 170.4% to 4,945 units. The only European model in the PHEV top 10 was the Volvo XC60. It managed 4,772 sales in February, down by 22.3% year on year. However, it was able to maintain its 1.5% market share.
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Is China’s appetite for new EVs starting to wane?

Both battery-electric vehicle (BEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) markets saw volumes plummet in China during February. But what is driving these declines, and which models came out on top? Autovista24 special content editor Phil Curry explores the figures. Following a difficult January, BEV and PHEV markets in China plummeted for a second month, according to EV Volumes’ data. BEV deliveries declined by 39.2%, with 262,698 sales in the month. Meanwhile, PHEV registrations fell 40.5%, with just 169,699 units leaving showrooms. As a result, BEV sales were down by 29.7%, with 609,513 deliveries after two months of 2026. PHEV volumes suffered more, as the 390,576 tally was 37.9% down compared with the same period last year. Increased model diversity has impacted the popularity of 2025’s best-selling options so far this year. This also suggests the appetite for new EVs in China is starting to wane. Tesla leads the way in China The Tesla Model Y led China’s BEV market in February, with 25,136 sales in the month. The crossover SUV struggled in the second month of 2025, but bounced back this year, increasing 214% year on year. Tesla often prospers in the end-of-quarter months due to its reporting patterns. This result in February highlights the turbulence of the Chinese market. The Model Y accounted for 9.6% of all local BEV sales in the month, up by 7.7 percentage points (pp). Second was the Xiaomi YU7, which only began recording domestic sales in June 2025. The model was the most popular in China during January. However, its 20,086-unit tally in February was markedly down on this performance. It accounted for 7.6% of total BEV deliveries. The Li Auto I6 rounded out the top three. Another relative newcomer, it saw sales begin in September 2025. A total of 15,997 units made their way onto Chinese roads in February. China’s top three BEVs were split by an even amount of almost 5,000 units between each position. This contrasted with the dominance of the Xiaomi YU7 in January. The result suggests buyers may be looking around in a more diverse market. Last year’s leading models appear to be struggling, as the country’s market faces headwinds. Popular models struggle Tesla saw its Model 3 place in the Chinese top 10, taking fourth in the month. With 12,758 units sold, this was a 32% year-on-year slide. The US BEV was responsible for 4.9% of deliveries, and due to competitor declines, this was an increase of 0.6pp. Last year’s best-seller, the Geely Geome Xingyuan, only managed fifth in February, with its 11,906-unit total down by 58.4%. The model has seen a slower start to 2026, suggesting it may not be able to live up to its performance last year. Sixth was the Nio ES8, which saw volumes increase dramatically since September last year. Its 11,779 units marked a 2,359.1% increase compared to February 2025, while a 4.5% market share was up 4.4pp. A pair of BYDs followed, with the Dolphin seeing stable results in seventh. A total of 6,006 units represented a decline of 0.1%. In eighth was the BYD Seagull, which saw numbers plummet by 78.6%, as just 5,779 units were sold. Next came another pair of models, with the Wuling Bingo Plus seeing 5,263 sales, a 45.3% rise compared to the same point last year. Rounding out the top 10 was the Wuling Mini, the second-best-selling BEV in China last year. With 5,230 deliveries, volumes were down 76.3%. This was only good enough for a 2% market share, a drop of 3.1pp. Xiaomi proves popular February’s top three all featured in the top cumulative positions spanning the first two months of 2026. Thanks to its strong result in January, the Xiaomi YU7 led the way. With 58,010 sales, it held 9.5% of the market, a sizeable 14,802 units ahead of its nearest challenger. This was the Tesla Model Y, which started 2026 much stronger than last year. With 43,208 units, it represented 7.1% of BEV sales and ended the two-month period 10,335 deliveries ahead of third place. This position was taken by the Li Auto I6, recording 32,873 sales. It took a 5.4% share of the country’s BEV market between January and February. While these BEVs soared, both the Geely Geome Xingyuan and the Wuling Mini struggled. The Geely model took fifth after two months with 26,793 sales. Meanwhile, the Wuling Mini did not feature in the top 10, sitting 13th after two months of 2026. Fang Cheng Bao up top in China China’s PHEV market has been struggling for some time. However, while volumes were down year-on-year, there was some stability in model choice. For the second successive month, the Fang Cheng Bao Tai 7 led the way. The BYD subsidiary brand saw 11,078 units sold in February. It represented 6.5% of China’s PHEV volumes in the month. The BYD Song Pro took second, although its 9,307-unit total was 37.9% down year on year. While the domestic brand placed five models in the top 10 during the month, none of them managed to see volume increases. As a popular PHEV brand in recent years, this decline is likely contributing to the market’s struggles. Third went to the Aito M7, with the PHEV variant responsible for 3.8% of all deliveries, a 2pp rise. Its 6,479 sales were an increase of 24.5% compared to February 2025. BYD volumes plummet Both of last year’s top two models struggled in February. The BYD Qin Plus saw sales plummet 66.9% as just 5,252 units left forecourts. This was enough for a 3.1% market share, down 2.5pp. It was followed by the BYD Seal 6 with 5,159 deliveries, down 59.1%. A 3% hold of the PHEV total was down 1.4pp compared to 12 months prior. Sixth was the Zeekr 9X with 5,082 units sold, having only entered the market in September 2025. It also held a 3% market share. The Li Auto L6 was next. The medium SUV struggled in February, with its 4,746 sales down by 63.9% year on year. It claimed 2.8% of the market, a 1.8pp drop. Following it in eighth was the Wey Gaoshan. First recording sales in September 2023, its numbers started ramping up in the middle of 2025. Its 4,133-unit total was a jump of 1,105% compared to February 2025. Rounding out the table was another pair of BYD vehicles. The Song L suffered a 59.5% fall as 3,724 units were sold in the month. The BYD Qin L took 10th, with 3,603 units, a 77.8% fall in volumes. This was the biggest decline in the top 10. Close battle for PHEV models After leading the sales in both January and February, the Fang Chen Bao Tai 7 led the cumulative table. With 28,631 units delivered, it held 7.3% of the market, 10,251 units ahead of its nearest competitor. In second, after two months of 2026, was the Aito M7. It saw 18,380 units delivered in the period, taking a 4.7% market share. After a strong result in January, it slipped back towards the BYD Song Pro, which held third, but was only 423 units behind. The BYD model accounted for 17,957 units between January and February. This resulted in a 4.6% share of the market.
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Will Tesla and BYD EVs keep leading in Europe?

As new electric-vehicle (EV) sales continued to climb in Europe, two models have taken an early lead. But just how close is the competition? Tom Hooker, Autovista 24 journalist, reviews the figures. Europe’s new EV market managed a 21.4% year-on-year growth in February. A total of 289,194 models were delivered in the month, according to EV Volumes. This was just 198 units more than in January. Over the first two months of 2026, EV sales increased by 20%, with 578,190 sales. However, splitting the EV market into its two respective powertrains reveals unequal growth. While plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) saw greater improvements, battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) continued to record significantly higher volumes. PHEVs posted a 34.8% year-on-year increase to 97,104 units in February. This contrasted significantly with 12 months prior, when deliveries dropped by 1.4%. From January to February, new PHEV sales rose by 33.7% to 198,006 units. However, this sales figure was still 182,178 deliveries behind BEVs for the first two months of 2026. In this period, all-electric models enjoyed a smaller double-digit increase of 14% to 380,184 units. February alone saw a 15.6% year-on-year rise to 192,090 sales. Tesla tops BEV market in Europe The Tesla Model Y was the best-selling BEV in Europe in February and the cumulative figures. It was also the continent’s best-selling EV, with over double the volume of Europe’s most popular PHEV in February. The crossover recorded 10,717 sales in February, outpacing the market’s growth with a 21.6% year-on-year improvement. This translated to a 5.6% share of Europe’s BEV market, up 0.3 percentage points (pp) from February 2025. Between January and February, its market share was 1pp lower. Yet it still led the BEV best-sellers table, thanks to 17,544 deliveries. Just 635 units behind was the Skoda Elroq, which managed 16,909 sales, and a 4.4% share. In February, the SUV recorded 8,560 sales, trailing the Tesla Model Y by 2,157 units. However, the Elroq still enjoyed a 462% year-on-year increase in deliveries. The Skoda Enyaq followed in third, a further 2,134 units behind its sibling. The BEV posted a 17.2% year-on-year increase in February to 6,426 deliveries. After two months of 2026, it sat fourth in the cumulative figures. Meanwhile, fourth in February went to the Tesla Model 3. On the surface, this seemed like a poor result, with a 7.8% drop in deliveries to 6,329 units. However, it marked a significant recovery from January. The sedan’s 1,105-unit total in the month marked its lowest sales figure since July 2022. Combined, the Renault 5 and Alpine A290 finished fifth in February. Yet the hatchbacks suffered a 0.5% dip in volumes to 6,265 units. After the first two months of 2026, the duo sat third in the best-sellers table with a 3.8% market share. Leapmotor’s record result The Leapmotor T03 provided a surprise in February. The city car achieved a record monthly sales total of 6,111 units, taking sixth in the best-sellers table. This ensured a 655.4% year-on year jump in deliveries. Across January and February, the model recorded 8,080 deliveries, making it the eighth most popular all-electric model in the period. Behind the A-segment model were four more familiar faces in Europe’s all-electric market. The Volkswagen (VW) ID.4 claimed seventh in February, with 5,159 deliveries. However, this equated to a 15% drop on 12 months prior. The BEV sat sixth in the cumulative table between January and February. Eighth in February’s standings went to the VW ID.3. The hatchback suffered a 10% fall to 4,860 sales, bringing its total volume in 2026 to 10,336 units. This was enough for fifth in the year-to-date best-sellers table. The VW ID.7 was ninth in February, after a steeper 24.2% year-on-year drop to 4,093 sales. This left it seventh in the cumulative chart. Rounding out February’s top 10 was the Audi Q4 e-tron, with its 3,914-unit total down 21.9%. The SUV was also the 10th best-selling BEV after two months of 2026. This meant that alongside the top three best-selling models, only the Leapmotor T03 managed year-on-year growth in February. BYD dominates PHEV market in Europe Two months into 2026, the BYD Seal U led Europe’s new PHEV market. The SUV was comfortably out ahead with a 5.2% market share thanks to 5,029 sales. This translated to a 130.9% improvement year on year. The BYD Seal U’s dominance proved even more profound in the cumulative standings. It took a 5.9% share of all PHEV deliveries between January and February, with 11,732 deliveries. This was 4,197 units ahead of the VW Tiguan, which took second after two months of 2026. Out of the models’ 7,535 sales so far this year, 4,007 were recorded in February alone. This ensured 10.1% growth year on year. It also placed second in the monthly chart. Volvo and Ford suffer declines The Volvo XC60 took third in February, with a 10.9% decline to 3,594 deliveries. The SUV also claimed third in the cumulative table, with 7,244 units. Fourth in February went to the Ford Kuga, which also suffered a delivery drop. It saw a 11.9% fall to 3,160 sales, punching above its standing in the year-to-date table of sixth. The Mercedes-Benz GLC finished fifth in February, thanks to a 78.9% year-on-year surge to 3,059 sales. The PHEV also took fifth in the cumulative chart. Next were two BMW models: the X3 and X1. The former secured sixth with a 48.9% rise to 2,827 deliveries. Meanwhile, the BMW X1 posted a smaller increase of 6.4% to 2,786 sales, enough for seventh in the best-sellers table. The X1 took ninth in the cumulative standings, while the X3 slotted into seventh. Contrasting performances for Chinese models The Jaecoo J7 took eighth in February’s chart. Volumes soared by 447% year on year to 2,779 sales, taking a 2.9% share of the market. The PHEV sat fourth after two months of 2026, with 7,075 deliveries. Toyota’s C-HR took ninth in February, despite a 21.7% year-on-year drop to 2,373 sales. The SUV placed eighth in the cumulative table. BYD placed two PHEVs in the European monthly top 10. This was thanks to the BYD Atto 2’s surging performance, which allowed the brand to bookend the table. The model first recorded European sales in October 2025, with a previous best of 85 units in January.
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New-car registrations soar in Italy amid looming EV incentive issues

The new-car market in Italy remains on a high, as March ended the first quarter with another positive performance. But does split authority-decision making jeopardise the country’s electric vehicle (EV) market? Autovista24 special content editor Phil Curry examines the figures. Following a difficult 2025, Italy’s new-car market has seen a strong first quarter of 2026. The period was rounded off by a 7.6% year-on-year increase in volumes during March. This is according to the latest data from industry body ANFIA. In total, 185,257 passenger cars were registered in the month. As March is traditionally a high-volume period for new-car deliveries in Italy, growth is important. The figures were the best for the third month of the year since 2019. An extra 13,028 units took to Italy’s roads compared with March 2025, according to Autovista24 calculations. In the first quarter, 484,577 new cars made their way to customers in Italy, an increase of 9.2%. Following a rollercoaster 2025, the strong start to this year will be encouraging for carmakers in the country. Italy embraces the BEV Italy’s new-car market was driven by EV registrations. Without deliveries of plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), registrations would have fallen by 1.1% in March. BEVs registrations improved by 72.1% last month, with 16,121 units delivered. This equated to an additional 6,754 units compared to one year ago. The increase helped the powertrain overtake PHEVs in terms of volume and share for the first time this year. By the end of the month, BEVs held an 8.7% share of total registrations, an increase of 3.3 percentage points (pp). After three months of 2026, the BEV market was up 65.7% compared to the first quarter of 2025. In total, 38,084 units were delivered, translating to a market share of 7.9%, up 2.7pp year on year. The BEV market in Italy struggled in previous years. While numbers rose, their share of registrations was low. Although the current hold of the overall market is below that of Germany, the UK and France, it has expanded rapidly in 2026. Italy’s BEV performance this year also matches Spain’s surge in 2025. It was another country that held a low all-electric share compared to other major European new-car markets before volumes improved. Surging BEV volumes in Italy can be partially attributed to the implementation of incentives in the country. All the subsidies were claimed for within a day of their announcement. However, industry body UNRAE highlighted what it sees as issues with the scheme. Struggles ahead for EVs? ‘Urgent action is needed on the issue of incentives: the dealer network has advanced these funds out of its own pocket, exposing itself to liabilities running into millions of euros and incurring significant financial costs,’ commented Roberto Pietrantonio, president of UNRAE. ‘It is therefore essential to guarantee certain and rapid payment times, prioritising correctly processed applications, in order to safeguard the stability of the supply chain and strengthen the credibility of public measures,’ he continued. There may be other obstacles in the path of electrification. From 1 July, BEVs and hydrogen vehicles will need to pay an annual charge to enter Rome’s congestion-control zone. While the cost of €1,000 is around half that for internal-combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, it still represents an additional cost for drivers. ‘This measure is difficult to comprehend in a country where the proportion of electric cars is still significantly lower than in the main European markets, where any revisions to incentives have only been made in the face of much higher levels of adoption,’ highlighted Pietrantonio. The fear is that localised interventions without wider government alignment, risk creating uncertainty for buyers. Fragmented measures, such as congestion charging, could end up slowing the transition to cleaner mobility, Pietrantonio warned. PHEVs remain popular While BEVs saw higher volumes than PHEVs, the latter experienced greater growth in March. With 15,805 deliveries, numbers were up by 100.7%. Market share also jumped, by 3.9pp, to 8.5% in the month. Within the first quarter of the year, PHEVs recorded a rise of 110.1%. With triple-digit growth in each month of the year so far, this amounts to 40,052 units, an improvement of 20,990 deliveries. The powertrain remained ahead of BEVs in the cumulative chart, with a share of 8.3%. This is a rise from the 4.3% PHEVs recorded during the first three months of 2025. UNRAE attributes this popularity to an increase in models being offered and corporate fringe benefits. The technology is forging ahead and helping to establish EVs in the marketplace. Combining BEV and PHEV registrations, EVs saw 31,926 deliveries in March, a rise of 85.2%, according to Autovista24 calculations. This gave the powertrain group a 17.2% market share, up by 7.2pp year on year. In the first quarter, 78,136 EV models made their way to customers, an increase of 85.8%. This equated to a 16.1% market share, up by 6.6pp compared to the first three months of 2025. Italy’s hybrid domination continues Hybrids, made up of full and mild versions, were the leading technology in Italy’s new-car market during March. As buyers and carmakers alike move away from petrol and diesel, they are increasingly turning to hybrid models. In the month, 93,241 units were delivered, a rise of 20.2%. According to Autovista24 calculations, this was an improvement of 15,674 units, 1,748 models more than the combined loss of ICE units. This meant that hybrids dominated the market in the month. The powertrain group secured 50.3% of total registrations, up by 5.3pp compared to the same period last year. The powertrain also dominated in the first quarter of 2026. With 249,430 units delivered, it was the only technology to break into six-digit figures. It ended the three-month period with a 51.5% market share, up 6.8pp. Its nearest challenger, petrol, was 31.7pp behind. Adding hybrids to EV registrations, the electrified powertrain group was dominant in March. Electrified models took a 67.6% share of all deliveries, up 12.6pp year on year. In total, 125,167 units took to Italian roads, a 32% rise. Between January and March, the electrified sector held a similar 67.6% share of the market. This was a 13.5pp rise, with volumes reaching 327,566 units. Diesel plunge continues in Italy Petrol and diesel powertrains continued their downward trend in Italy. The powertrain group suffered a combined drop of 21.7%, as 50,203 units were registered in the month. The ICE market was responsible for 27.1% of the country’s total, a drop of 10.1pp compared to March 2025. Diesel cars have proven more popular in Italy than in the other big five European markets. But with 12,747 registrations in March, their volumes fell 29.6% year on year. The powertrain held a 6.9% share, down 3.6pp on 12 months prior. Meanwhile, petrol registrations fell by 18.6%. The fuel type remained the second-biggest seller in Italy during the month. However, its 37,456-unit total was only good enough for a 20.2% market share. This was a fall of 6.5pp year on year. In the first quarter of 2026, ICE deliveries fell by 19.9%, with just 130,135 registrations. The group held 26.9% of the market, down 9.7pp. Broken down, diesel managed 34,089 deliveries, equating to a 23.6% decline. This gave the powertrain a 7% market share, down 3.1pp year on year. Petrol recorded 96,046 registrations in the three-month period, an 18.6% drop. This was good enough for a 19.8% hold of the country’s total, falling 6.8pp compared to the first quarter of 2025. Stellantis dominates the market According to ANFIA figures, Stellantis and the Renault-Nissan Alliance led the country’s new-car market in March. Stellantis celebrated the success of the Fiat Panda in its home market. It saw 11,117 registrations, more than double the Jeep Avenger in second. The model managed 5,085 deliveries and ended March just 63 units ahead of the Leapmotor T03 in third. The Fiat Grande Panda took fourth, while the Citroen C3 was sixth. Between the two sat the Dacia Sandero in fifth, leading a slew of models from the Renault-Nissan Alliance. In seventh was the Renault Clio, with the Nissan Qashqai following, and the Dacia Duster taking ninth. Rounding out the top 10 was the Toyota Aygo X. The result means the Fiat Panda extended its lead after the first quarter, with 37,010 registrations. The Jeep Avenger was the second-best-selling model in Italy, with 15,808 deliveries. Third was the Fiat Grande Panda, with 13,180 units.
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BEVs provide return to growth in the French new-car market

After a difficult start to the year, the French new-car market returned to growth in spectacular fashion during March. Soaring battery-electric vehicle (BEV) volumes made this possible, but why did the technology see a significant increase? Tom Hooker, Autovista24 journalist, explores the figures. The new-car market in France returned to growth in March, marking the country’s first improvement since October 2025. According to the PFA, 173,634 units were registered in the month, an increase of 12.9% year on year. In part, the rise was boosted by an extra working day compared to March 2025. New-car purchases from individuals represented 46% of total volumes last month, with a 22% delivery increase, according to AAA Data. Within this sales channel, long-term leasing rose sharply. Deliveries to fleets suffered a 2% decline during March, while registrations associated with short-term rental companies climbed 19%. Despite this double-digit growth, the French new-car market recorded a 2.1% decline in the first quarter of 2026. According to AAA Data, 401,556 deliveries took place during this period, a loss of 8,528 units year on year. Similar to many major European new-car markets, the powertrain mix continues to shift towards electrification in France. BEV deliveries have soared, while hybrids are seeing more marginal year-on-year gains. But unlike the other big five markets, plug-in hybrid (PHEV) volumes have remained stagnant. This comes as both petrol and diesel registrations fell significantly. BEV growth provides lifeline BEV registrations soared 68.8% in March to 49,406 units, according to Autovista24 analysis. This growth provided a lifeline for the French new-car market. Without it, overall registrations would have fallen by 0.3% year on year. The figure presented the powertrain with a 28.5% share of overall new-car volumes, up 9.5 percentage points (pp) year on year. This was the largest market share of any in Europe’s big five automotive markets, reflecting a wider first-quarter trend. Behind the technology’s surging sales, many factors are having a positive impact on delivery volumes. ‘France’s strong increase in BEV registrations during March was mainly driven by the social leasing scheme. While the program reopened in late 2025, people who registered for the scheme are now taking delivery of their cars,’ outlined Ludovic Percier, senior residual value analyst for France. The scheme allows lower-income households to access BEVs through long-term rental contracts. These are provided at significantly reduced monthly costs, supported by the state. Monthly rental costs cannot exceed €200 excluding options, accessories and services. Some offers reach less than €140 per month. Factors assisting BEV demand ‘Other short and long-term factors have assisted demand. Since February 2025, BEVs have profited from a notable change to company-car taxation,’ Percier continued. ‘The technology faced a less severe increase in benefit-in-kind rates than any other powertrain. This makes them significantly more favourable compared to internal-combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, strengthening their appeal in the fleet market. ‘Furthermore, rising fuel prices have improved the comparative total cost of ownership of BEVs since March. However, this effect is minimal and is more linked to the used-car market,’ he commented. AAA Data also pointed towards the country's purchase and leasing incentives as a factor that has helped boost BEV volumes. Known as the ‘electric passenger vehicle boost’, the subsidy provides funds of between €3,500 and €5,700 when buying an electric vehicle (EV). Additional bonuses are available for vehicles where the battery is manufactured in Europe. At the start of 2026, the French government also raised the income ceilings defining the categories of modest households. This move means more families are eligible for higher grant levels. The industry body also noted that discounts offered by some manufacturers are helping BEV demand. From January to March, BEVs took a 27.9% share of overall new-car registrations. This was up from 18.2% during the same period of 2025. The technology enjoyed a 50.4% delivery increase to 112,083 units, according to AAA Data. Stagnant PHEVs Conversely, PHEVs faced a 2.2% delivery decline in March to 8,108 units, according to Autovista24 analysis. The powertrain took a 4.7% market share last month, down by 0.7pp year on year. PHEV volumes during the first quarter of 2026 were stagnant. Just eight fewer registrations were recorded compared to the same period last year, according to AAA Data. A total of 19,584 units ensured a 4.9% share, up 0.1pp. Combining BEV and PHEV figures, the EV market in France had a positive start to the year. Volumes improved by 53.2% in March, with its share increasing by 8.7pp to 33.1%. A 39.9% year-on-year improvement was seen in the first quarter, with 131,667 registrations. This equated to a 32.8% share, up from 22.9%. No growth in sight for ICE Internal-combustion engines, including petrol and diesel-powered models, had a weak March, suffering a 25.4% slump in deliveries year on year. According to Autovista24 analysis, the powertrain group accounted for 16.9% of new-car volumes in the month, down 8.7pp. Diesel performed particularly poorly, with a 31.2% drop to 4,448 units. This translated to a 2.6% market share, down from 4.2%. This made it the least popular powertrain in the new-car market, behind even the ‘others’ category. This powertrain group includes liquefied petroleum gas models, natural gas vehicles and super-ethanol cars. Petrol endured a 24.2% drop in March to 24,908 registrations. The fuel type made up 14.3% of overall volumes, down 7.1pp year on year. This means its market share was roughly half that of BEVs. In March 2025, petrol was ahead of the all-electric technology by 2.4pp. From January to March, deliveries of ICE-powered cars fell by 41%. The powertrain grouping recorded 68,507 registrations, with its hold on the market loosening from 28.3% to 17.1%. Broken down, diesel deliveries declined by 44.5% year on year, according to Autovista24 analysis. Its 10,067-unit total translated to a 2.5% market share, down 1.9pp. Meanwhile, petrol posted a 40.3% slump to 58,440 registrations. The fuel type represented 14.6% of total new-car volumes, down from 23.9%. The shares of both petrol and diesel models were the lowest among the major EU markets in the first quarter. This may be a factor in France’s decline across the three-month period. Hybrid’s double-digit growth Hybrids, including full and mild versions, enjoyed a double-digit delivery improvement in March. The powertrain posted 80,709 registrations in the month, increasing by 14.2% year on year. This enabled a dominant 46.5% market share, up 0.6pp, according to Autovista24 analysis. Hybrids accounted for 47.3% of the new-car market in the first quarter, an increase of 2.4pp from the same period in 2025. However, its growth was more marginal, up 3.1% to 189,904 units, according to AAA Data. Adding hybrids to the EV total, the electrified market recorded strong results in both March and the first quarter. Deliveries grew by 27.7% last month, as the powertrain group’s share rose from 70.3% to 79.6%. In the first quarter, volumes increased by 15.5%, while the group’s share sat at 80.1%, up 12.2pp year on year. The ‘others’ category did not enjoy the same success as electrified models. The powertrain group suffered a 3.7% drop in volumes to 6,054 units in March, according to Autovista24 analysis. Its share subsequently fell from 4.1% to 3.5%. Its first quarter result was more severe, as volumes slumped by 26.6% to 11,478 units. The category captured 2.9% of the new-car market in this period, down 0.9pp year on year.
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Electrified powertrains make important step in UK registration results

Electrified and internal-combustion engine (ICE) powertrains split the UK new-car market after the first quarter of the year. But after another month of improvement, is the country’s current growth sustainable? Autovista24 special content editor Phil Curry examines the market. The UK’s new-car market posted its strongest March result since 2019, as the country’s plate-change period helped boost overall volumes. According to the latest data from the SMMT, 380,627 new cars made their way to customers last month. This was an increase of 6.6% compared to 2025, equating to an extra 23,524 units, according to Autovista24 analysis. March is one of two important months for the UK market, the other being September. During these times, new registration plates are released, making deliveries more attractive. In March, new ‘26’ plates were released, with ‘76’ plates due in September. In 2025, March was the strongest month of the year, accounting for 17.7% of the annual registrations total. With the SMMT highlighting that current geopolitical changes are likely to impact the market, the same pattern may occur in 2026. Across the first quarter of the year, UK registrations are up by 5.9%, with 614,854 units delivered to customers. This is an improvement of 34,352 passenger cars, according to Autovista24 calculations. Record results in the UK March was the best month on record for electrified vehicles, according to the SMMT. This category includes full hybrids (HEVs), battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs). A total of 196,059 units were delivered in the month, a 23.1% increase year on year. Electrified volumes were also above ICE figures for the first time this year. The UK reports its ICE figures differently from other markets. Mild-hybrid powertrains are merged with their respective petrol and diesel counterparts, rather than being included with HEV figures. The electrified market overtook the petrol and diesel group for the first time in September last year. However, it slipped behind once again at the start of 2026. March’s strong result may be the start of a period of dominance for the powertrain group. After three months of the year, electrified passenger cars had overtaken ICE, thanks to their performance in March. With 307,652 registrations, the group was just 450 units ahead of the combined petrol and diesel performance. This was enough for a 50% market share. BEVs continue to improve BEVs were the second-best-selling powertrain type in the UK last month. With 86,120 deliveries, they made up 22.6% of the market. The figure was a record total for all-electric registrations, with volumes increasing 24.2% compared to March 2025. March also saw the first year-on-year improvement in BEV market share of 2026. The technology’s hold rose by 3.2 percentage points (pp) to 22.6%. However, this was some way behind the required share in the zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate. This is emphasised further by the powertrain’s performance in the first quarter of the year. Deliveries have improved by 14.5%, with 137,614 units taking to the road. However, the market share of 22.4%, while 1.7pp higher year-on-year, is 10.6pp below the mandated target. For 2026, vehicle manufacturers are required to ensure that 33% of their passenger cars registered in the UK are zero-emission models. Yet, the overall market has failed to meet the target in the first two years of the mandate. Calls for review into UK transition At the recent SMMT Electrified conference, chief executive Mike Hawes highlighted how the market had changed since the ZEV mandate was first proposed. At the start of 2026, battery costs were more than 30% higher than expected, according to the SMMT. Furthermore, the industry body said that industrial energy prices are around 80% above 2021 levels. Additionally, it also noted how public charging can cost over 140% more than five years ago.  Moreover, the SMMT has also highlighted that the current geopolitical situation, which is impacting oil prices, may spark interest in electric vehicles (EVs). Yet with a risk of higher energy prices and supply-chain costs, the increased cost of living could undermine consumer confidence. These geopolitical changes have added urgency to the automotive market’s calls for a rapid review of the ZEV transition. The SMMT has pointed to other markets, which have amended their plans to reflect current market realities. While the UK government holds firm, however, carmakers are having to invest heavily in both development and discounting to meet ZEV mandate targets. ‘Delays to a review of the UK transition will put the country in an uncompetitive position, undermining consumer choice, investment and, ultimately, the pace of decarbonisation,’ the industry body said in a statement. PHEV popularity grows While the debate about the electric transition continues, the UK’s PHEV market has been gathering strength. March saw the powertrain continue its run of strong results, with a 46.9% improvement year on year. This equated to 15,856 more units, based on Autovista24 analysis. In total, 49,671 units made it to customers in the month, giving the technology a 13% market share. This is up by 3.5pp compared to a year prior. The PHEV market has been boosted by the popularity of the Jaecoo 7, which hit the country’s market in February 2025. The Chinese brand has been building momentum, and was the most popular model in March. With 10,064 units registered in the plate-change month, it accounted for 20.3% of total PHEV deliveries. In the first quarter, PHEVs have seen volumes increase by 46.5% compared to the same period in 2025. With 78,666 units, this offered the powertrain a 12.8% slice of the market, up 3.6pp. Again, the Jaecoo 7 has helped this growth, with 19.8% of the PHEV market. The SUV held second in the best-seller table, behind the Ford Puma. Combining PHEV and BEV figures, the EV market saw a 31.7% rise in March, with 135,791 units. This was enough for a 35.7% market share, a rise of 6.8pp year on year. After three months, EV figures had improved by 24.4%, with 216,280 deliveries. The powertrain group took a 35.2% hold of total registrations. ICE remains strong While electrified models continue to see volume increases, deliveries of petrol and diesel cars suffered in monthly registration figures. Despite this, petrol remained the dominant force in the UK market during March. The fuel type saw 165,997 units delivered to customers, a drop of 6.1% compared to the same month last year. Having seen a rare increase in volumes during February, this result was a return to a regular trend of decline. Yet the powertrain still held 43.6% of the market. While this was a drop of 5.9pp, petrol remained 21pp ahead of its nearest challenger, BEVs. Registrations of petrol-powered cars declined by 3.5% in the first quarter, with 276,689 units. Despite this, the technology still held 45% of the market, a 4.4pp drop. Diesel popularity continued to wane, with March seeing figures fall by 11.4% to 18,571 units. This was only good enough for a 4.9% share of the market, down from the 5.9% recorded a year prior. Between January and March, diesel deliveries totalled 30,513 units, down 9.8%, equating to a share of just 5%. Combining the powertrains, ICE registrations dropped 6.7% in the month with 184,568 units. This was good enough for a 48.5% share of total deliveries, falling behind the electrified market for the first time in 2026. This means that after the first quarter, both ICE and electrified groups shared a 50% hold of the UK new-car market. With 307,202 registrations, the combined petrol and diesel grouping suffered a 4.2% delivery decline year-on-year. HEV pulls ahead in UK hybrid race HEVs continued to be the third-best powertrain in the UK during March. Its 60,268 registrations were enough for a 7.3% increase compared to the same period last year. However, its 15.8% market share was up just 0.1pp compared to March 2025. After the first quarter, the powertrain has seen a 6.2% rise in volumes, with 91,372 deliveries. This was good enough for a 14.9% slice of overall new-car registrations. Yet with stronger growth for PHEVs and BEVs, the powertrain’s market share only rose by 0.1pp year on year. The unit gap between HEVs and PHEVs has risen, thanks to the better volume total in March for full hybrids. But with plug-in hybrids increasing in popularity, the technology could close the gap in the coming months.
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The Automotive Update: Market conditions impact 2026 new EV forecast

As oil and gas prices rise, what effect will this have on global light-vehicle sales? Will electric vehicles (EVs) be able to take advantage of recent geopolitical changes? Autovista24 journalist Tom Hooker and special content editor Phil Curry explore the latest insights from Neil King, head of forecasting at EV Volumes, in the Automotive Update podcast. In this episode, the latest EV Volumes forecast is reviewed. Autovista24 special content editor Phil Curry provides insights from King, including a global EV market outlook alongside regional projections.  Subscribe to the Autovista24 podcast and listen to previous episodes on Spotify, Apple and Amazon Music. Global EV forecast downgraded With a quarter of 2026 having passed, the latest forecast from EV Volumes shows that growth in the global light-vehicle market will slow. Geopolitical developments mean deliveries could remain stable this year, while the share of EVs is expected to increase modestly. According to the latest data, combined sales of passenger cars and light-commercial vehicles will increase by just 0.4% globally this year. This is down from the previous update, which assumed a 2.7% rise in volumes across 2026. With increased living costs and the rising price of oil and gas, household purchasing power is being eroded. Companies are also being forced to delay investments, amid uncertainty over how long energy prices will remain elevated. This means vehicle renewal is being placed further down the list of priorities. EVs, including battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), are predicted to make up 24.7% of light-vehicle sales in 2026. This is down by 2.8pp compared to the previous forecast released at the end of 2025. In total, around 22.7 million electric models are expected to take to roads around the world. This would represent modest growth of just 5% year on year. This would outpace the projected overall light-vehicle growth in 2026. However, it would also mark a lower rise following the 21.9% gain in 2025. With governments in larger markets phasing out purchase incentives and tax breaks, a slowdown is likely this year.  The EV share is forecast to increase to 27.4% next year, then rise to 31.8% by the end of 2028. By 2030, EV Volumes predicts that this global share will rise to 40.4%, before hitting 61.1% in 2035, and reaching 80.6% in 2040. Slowing market in Europe The European automotive market has faced turbulent times recently. LCV demand was particularly affected by trade frictions and tariffs in 2025, with the passenger-car market following suit. In addition, continued political uncertainty and rising debt levels curtailed demand in the continent. A wide range of geopolitical changes have caused Europe’s light-vehicle sales forecast for 2026 to be downgraded. EV Volumes believes that light-vehicle sales in Western and Central Europe will rise by a modest 0.1% this year, a drop of 1.6pp against the December 2025 forecast. At around 15.1 million units, this is far below the 18 million light vehicles registered in 2019. Moreover, it is not expected that the European market will return to that level before 2040. The market is projected to improve by 1.4% in 2027. This increase hinges on a complex mix of regulatory and economic factors. A similar rise is expected in 2028. More to come from EVs This year, the EV market is expected to continue expanding, as Germany reintroduces incentives, while Spain also pushes forward with its Auto+ Plan. Additionally, Chinese carmakers are strengthening their footprint on the continent, appealing especially in price-sensitive markets. EV sales are expected to grow 16.7% this year to 4.7 million units, taking a 31.3% share of all deliveries. BEV volumes are forecast to grow 18.4% year-on-year, accounting for 69% of EV sales in 2026. Meanwhile, PHEV sales are expected to increase by 13%. With new model launches, lower prices, and tightening EU emissions targets, EV volumes will continue to increase in the coming years. The market share of EVs will sit at 37.4% next year, rising to 43.8% in 2028. The EU’s Automotive Package, which introduces a revised CO2 reduction pathway and compliance mechanisms, has altered the EV Volumes forecast. Assuming its full implementation, EVs are expected to account for 57.3% of light-vehicle sales by 2030. This rises to 84.2% by 2035, and reaches 95.5% in 2040. These projections assume emissions balancing between 2030 and 2032 and continued alignment of national policies. Several markets are expected to maintain stricter targets. The UK is currently committed to a new-car petrol and diesel ban in 2030, with zero-emission only sales from 2035. EV popularity struggles in Northern America In the Northern American market, 2025 sales were affected by multiple factors. This included the impact of EV tax credits ending in the US and manufacturers' decisions to amend plans for all-electric models. With new global inflation pressures and continuing weak vehicle demand in the region, EV Volumes forecasts that overall light-vehicle sales will decline 1.9% this year. In total, 17.8 million vehicles will be sold. Deliveries of EVs are also expected to drop by 8.1% in 2026. This comes as Canada has recently shifted its EV strategy, removing the 100% import tariff on Chinese-made models. Additionally, 49,000 units are now allowed to enter the market under a new arrangement. At the same time, the Electric Vehicle Affordability Program has been introduced in 2026 in Canada. The country has also seen stricter emissions standards replace the former EV sales mandate. These require carmakers to meet progressively tighter fleet‑wide pollution limits. In the US, California is exploring a new EV incentive program to fill the policy gap after federal EV tax credits expired in 2025. Some consumers have also expressed growing interest in more affordable EV options, including Chinese models that remain unavailable due to trade barriers. The combined BEV and PHEV share is now expected to reach 8.9% in Northern America in 2026. EVs in the US are expected to take an 8.7% hold, compared to a 10.2% share in Canada. The Northern American EV share will rise modestly to 10.1% in 2027. This will be mostly supported by Canada and the rollout of more affordable EV models. Shares will increase to 18.9% in 2030, then reach 37.7% in 2035, before rising further to 57% in 2040. This is well below the predicted global EV share of over 80% in that year. Domestic focus for China China’s automotive market saw PHEVs struggle in 2025, while BEVs continued to prove popular. The country’s government is focused on boosting domestic consumption, with support directed towards state-owned manufacturers. Yet with the March 2026 OECD Interim Economic Outlook projecting 4.4% GDP growth in the country, EV Volumes has downgraded its forecast. New light-vehicle sales are now expected to reach 27 million units, a 1.3% rise year on year. As the country pledges to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2035, many brands are continuing to launch PHEV and Extended Range Electric Vehicles (EREVs). This comes as BEVs are regaining momentum in China, bolstered by discounting strategies. As such, BEVs are forecast to account for 62.9% of EV sales in 2026, increasing to around 70% in 2030. In total, EVs are forecast to represent 50.2% of all light-vehicle sales in 2026, a 0.8pp drop from their 2025 share. This is projected to rise to 72.1% in 2030, before achieving an 84.7% share in 2035. In 2040, the EV hold is expected to widen to 91.1%. Policy plans in non-Triad regions With the increase in global energy and oil prices, the March 2026 OECD Interim Economic Outlook projects slower growth for major non‑Triad automotive markets. This includes countries such as Brazil, South Korea, and India. Alongside this, persistent energy‑price pressures are weighing more heavily on demand. Therefore, the light-vehicle forecast for 2026 has been revised down to growth of 1.1%. With various countries and governments implementing regulations and aid for EVs, the share in this market grouping will rise. Currently, it is estimated that electric models will make up 8.9% of the market in 2026. This would be a 1.8pp improvement from 2025. However, budget constraints driven by economic concerns may limit future incentives and/or tax breaks. Additionally, several countries have introduced, or plan to implement, new tariffs on imported vehicles. The EV share in the non-Triad region is projected to reach 17% in 2030, before increasing to 41.8% in 2035, and 76.8% in 2040. This means the combined EV share of non-Triad markets would surpass Northern America in 2034.
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BEVs lead soaring sales of new cars in Germany

Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) recorded surging sales in Germany’s new-car market during March. Yet it was not the only powertrain to enjoy positive results, as overall registrations achieved double-digit growth. Autovista24 journalist Tom Hooker reviews the figures. After a sluggish start to 2026, the German new-car market bounced back in March. Registrations increased by 16% year on year to 294,161 units, according to the KBA. This marked the biggest delivery growth since April 2024 and the highest volume total since June 2024. Last month’s increase was powered by soaring BEV sales, while lower-than-usual internal-combustion engine (ICE) declines also influenced overall results. Across the first quarter, registrations improved by 5.2% to 699,404 units. This can be seen as a positive performance, following a decline in January and a marginal increase in February. ‘March 2026 demonstrated notable growth within Germany’s new-car market. Private registrations increased by 22.2% in March. Meanwhile, commercial registrations, which maintained a dominant market share of 65%, saw growth of 13%,’ commented Ina Gronemeyer, cluster head of valuations for Germany, Austria and Switzerland. ‘The SUV segment remains the leading category, recording a 29% increase and capturing a 37.1% market share,’ she added. Volkswagen’s contrasting fortunes in Germany Germany’s best-selling new-car brands saw varying results across the first quarter. Some inter-group battles remained, while Chinese brands continued to take a foothold in the market. Volkswagen (VW) suffered a 5.3% drop in registrations between January and March. Yet, it continued as Germany’s most popular new-car brand, with a 18.7% share. In contrast, Skoda, a VW Group brand, enjoyed a 24.6% year on year increase in the first quarter. It placed second in the best-sellers table, with an 8.9% share of overall deliveries. There were differing performances for other domestic carmakers. Mercedes-Benz endured a 2.4% delivery decline in third place, just 548 units ahead of BMW, which recorded an 8.1% improvement. Audi saw an uptick of 7.1% in fifth. This contrasted with fellow VW Group brand SEAT, which saw a 14.6% drop in sixth. Positive first quarter for Stellantis Stellantis brands Opel and Fiat had a positive first quarter. The former posted a registrations increase of 38.9% in seventh, as Fiat deliveries soared by 65.6% in 10th. In between the two marques came Ford and Hyundai. The US carmaker suffered a 7.4% decline in eighth, while Hyundai achieved a 16.5% improvement in ninth. Elsewhere, BYD continued its upward trajectory. It saw a 644.5% surge in registrations year on year, giving it a 1.3% market share. Leapmotor and Xpeng also saw deliveries soar by 370.7% and 179.4%, respectively. Although both recorded market shares of less than 1%. Tesla posted a higher share of 1.8% while achieving a triple-digit improvement of 160% year on year. Overall, non-domestic brands performed strongly across the first quarter, according to the VDIK. ‘Non-domestic manufacturers have once again significantly increased their market share compared to the previous year. This shows that the vehicles coming from these brands are technically innovative, attractive and meet the wishes of the customers,’ explained Imelda Labbé, VDIK president. ‘In the case of BEVs, non-domestic carmakers were also able to make noticeable gains,’ she noted. Soaring BEV market in Germany BEV registrations saw significant year-on-year growth in March. Volumes surged by 66.2% to 70,663 units, translating to a 24% market share. This was up 7.2 percentage points (pp) from March 2025. This was the biggest monthly increase and largest share since August 2023. However, that period saw a pull-forward effect, before subsidies for commercial BEV buyers ended in September 2023. From January to March, all-electric deliveries improved by 41.3% year on year. The technology accounted for 22.8% of overall new-car volumes, up 5.8pp from 12 months prior. The technology also ended the first quarter 0.1pp ahead of petrol in terms of market share. This meant BEVs were the second most popular powertrain in Germany’s new-car market during the first quarter of 2026. Smaller PHEV improvement Meanwhile, plug-in hybrid (PHEV) volumes recorded smaller improvements. Registrations rose by 13% in March to 29,996 units. After a strong 2025, this marked the powertrain’s lowest year-on-year increase since December 2024. Yet due to even greater growth from BEVs and hybrids, its market share fell by 0.3pp to 10.2%. This was PHEV's smallest slice of the market since June 2025. PHEVs posted a 19.3%* year on year improvement in the first quarter, with 76,114 registrations. The technology captured 10.9% of overall volumes, up from 9.6%. Combining BEV and PHEV figures, electric vehicle (EVs) saw a 45.7% increase in deliveries during March. The powertrain group made up 34.2% of total registrations, up 7pp year on year. EV growth reached 33.4% in the first quarter, with its market share going from 26.6% to 33.7%. Wait for EV incentives continues in Germany Behind the successful start for EVs in 2026, multiple factors may have helped to boost demand, including purchase incentives. The new scheme was announced at the start of the year, with retroactive applications eligible back to 1 January. Taxable household income and family size determine the amount of funding available for BEV, PHEV and extended-range electric vehicle purchases. Users will be able to apply for support online; however, the portal will not open until May. ‘The significant increase in private registrations may be attributed to the newly introduced EV incentives,’ Gronemeyer outlined. ‘However, it is premature to determine their long-term effectiveness, given the complexity and uncertainty surrounding application conditions. Challenging economic circumstances also make forecasting their effectiveness difficult,’ she projected. While many buyers will be willing to buy before the portal is opened, some may hold off until May. The ZDK believes this delay will limit the potential of EV growth. ‘People need planning security, and not a funding policy on demand. As long as the promise of EV incentives is not implemented, customers will react with reluctance to buy,’ explained Thomas Peckruhn, ZDK president. ‘For many interested parties in the income class addressed by the incentives, it is a central component of financing, especially for the direct payment of special leasing instalments.’ ‘Without clear guidelines, the desired impulse will fizzle out, and the hoped-for ramp-up of EVs will either not get going at all or will be significantly delayed,’ he commented. Fuelling EV demand Rising fuel prices may also be affecting EV demand, with the total cost of ownership (TCO) increasing for ICE models. According to the ZDK, the energy costs per 100 kilometres for BEVs are currently significantly lower than those for ICE vehicles. ‘The increased fuel prices play a role in the purchase of EVs, but it remains to be seen whether this will lead to more sales. Vehicle decisions are planned for the long-term, whereas short-term price signals at the petrol station only have a limited impact. So, clear funding rules and reliable framework conditions are crucial,’ outlined Peckruhn. ‘If energy prices remain at an elevated level and at the same time the eligibility criteria and the application procedure for EV incentives are defined clearly, transparently and reliably, then there is a good chance of a noticeable revival of private demand for EVs in the coming quarters,’ he forecasted. Hybrid growth in Germany Hybrids, including full and mild hybrids, achieved a 17.4% uptick in deliveries during March. This marked its strongest monthly growth since December 2024, with a total of 87,850 units. It also ensured a 0.3pp increase in share to 29.9%, making it the most popular powertrain in Germany’s new-car market. Between January and March, hybrid volumes improved by 7.4%, with 206,566 units. This ensured a dominant 29.5% share, up 0.6pp year on year. Adding hybrids to the EV total, electrified deliveries increased by 31% in March. This gave the powertrain group a controlling 64.1% market share. Electrified volumes improved by 19.9% in the first quarter, with a slightly lower share of 63.2% compared to March alone. Can diesel recover? While diesel deliveries continued to decline last month, its performance was surprisingly encouraging. It saw registrations drop by just 0.6%, the fuel type’s best year-on-year result since its 3.7% growth in October 2024. However, its 37,664-unit total was only enough for a 12.8% market share, down 2.1pp year on year. Things looked slightly bleaker for diesel in the first quarter. Deliveries fell by 6.5% between January and March to 96,311 units, while its share went from 15.5% to 13.8%. Petrol suffered steeper declines in both March and the first three months of 2026. The fuel type saw a 4.9% slump to 66,959 units, as its hold loosened by 5pp to 22.8%. However, this did mark its best performance since its 3.7% growth in October 2024. In the first quarter, petrol volumes dropped by 16.1% to 159,058 units. It represented 22.7% of overall registrations, down from 28.5%. Combining petrol and diesel figures, the ICE market endured a 3.4% drop in March, as its market share fell from 42.7% to 35.6%. First quarter deliveries were down by 12.7%, while the powertrain group’s hold slipped by 7.5pp to 36.5%. * Editor's note: This article has been corrected since publication, with PHEV year-on-year growth in the first quarter 19.3%, not 41.3% as previously stated.
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Spain sees another month of high new-car market growth

The Spanish new-car market continues to impress, with genuine growth across the first quarter of the year. But as the country waits for new incentives, how are powertrains performing? Autovista24 special content editor Phil Curry examines the market. Spain’s new-car market continued its upward trajectory in March, with registrations increasing once again. Last month, 130,340 new passenger models took to the country’s roads, according to ANFAC. This marked an increase of 11.7% compared to the same month in 2025. Heading into this year, Spain had a lot of expectations placed upon it. This was because it saw the greatest year-on-year growth out of Europe’s ‘big five’ automotive markets in 2025. This includes Germany, the UK, France and Italy. However, some of the country’s performances in the first part of 2025 were based on inflated and unnatural market growth. This included vehicle replacements after severe storms and flooding in 2024. Yet deliveries continue to power ahead this year. ‘March once again demonstrates the strong state of the market. We surpassed 130,000 sales, a figure higher than the sales for the same month in 2019,’ highlighted Félix García, director of communications and marketing at ANFAC.  ‘Even if we were to remove the impact of the DANA storm from the March 2025 sales figures, the growth would be even greater. This makes us optimistic for the end of the year. If this trend continues, we would be at around 1.2 million sales for the year’ The strong results are even more impressive considering the confusion around the country’s electric vehicle (EV) incentives programme. The previous MOVES III scheme ended in December 2025, according to RACE. It is being replaced by the Auto+ programme under the Auto 2030 Plan, effective from January 2026, according to Spain’s Ministry of Industry and Tourism. While €400 million in funding has already been allocated, the scheme is yet to be implemented. So, drivers are buying EVs ahead of applying for retroactive funding. Despite the confusion surrounding EV incentives, March was the third consecutive month of overall new-car registrations improvement in Spain. The result means that after the first quarter of the year, 300,513 new cars have made their way to owners, a rise of 7.6%. BEVs drive market in Spain While buyers await the implementation of Spain’s new incentives, the impact on the battery-electric vehicle (BEV) market has been slight. In March, 11,861 new all-electric models made it to the country’s roads, a rise of 46.4% year on year. This was the best increase of 2026 so far, although only up on February’s improvement by one percentage point (pp). The result gave BEVs a 9.1% market share, increasing by 2.2pp compared to March 2025, according to Autovista24 calculations. The run of strong double-digit increases in the Spanish BEV market suggests there is still an appetite for all-electric models. Buyers can purchase now and retroactively apply for subsidies, and this seems enough to keep the market momentum moving. Across the first quarter of 2026, BEV deliveries increased by 41.6%, with 27,223* units making their way to customers. This translated to a 9.1% market share, an increase of 2.2pp year on year. The implementation of the Auto 2030 plan could trigger a short-term increase in BEV deliveries. This happened in early 2025, when Spain reinstated the previous MOVES III scheme. However, just like in 2026, the government extended the programme with retroactive eligibility. This helped to sustain demand that had already been building amid uncertainty over incentive continuity. PHEVs continue to impress Spain’s standout performance, in terms of volume growth, once again went to plug-in hybrids (PHEVs). With a 77.5% increase compared to March 2025, the 14,859 units recorded was the powertrain’s best total of the quarter. This represented an 11.4% share of total deliveries, a rise of 4.2pp, according to Autovista24 calculations. PHEVs have proven to be a popular choice in Spain. Deliveries continue to grow, as does the powertrain’s market share. The technology was the third most popular in March, after hybrid and petrol engines, while remaining ahead of BEVs. After three months of the year, PHEV registrations were up 74%, as 35,693 units left dealerships. This has given the powertrain 11.9% of the market, up 4.6pp compared to the first quarter of 2025. Combining BEV and PHEV deliveries, the EV market saw registrations rise by 62.2% in March, with 26,720 deliveries. This was good enough for a 20.5% market share. In the first quarter, the group saw volumes improve by 58.3% with 62,916 units. This presented EVs with a 20.9% market share, according to Autovista24 analysis. Hybrids rule in Spain Meanwhile, the hybrid market, made up of full and mild hybrid powertrains, continues to lead. In March, it was responsible for 47.5% of total registrations, a rise of 5.4pp year on year. In the month, 61,938 units were handed over to customers, a rise of 26.2%. This was the best performance of the year for the technology in terms of volume and growth. Between January and March, hybrid volumes grew by 18.6%, with 144,126 models delivered. This gave the powertrain a 48% hold of the market total, up 4.5pp year on year. Adding hybrids to the EV market, total electrified registrations totalled 88,657 units in March. This equated to a rise of 35.2% compared to the same period last year. After three months, electrified registrations totalled 207,041 units, an increase of 28.4%, according to Autovista24 calculations. Petrol declines continue While electrified registrations soared, March saw another month of declines for internal combustion engine (ICE) models. Petrol deliveries fell by 14.9% in the month, with 32,728 units delivered. This was the smallest percentage decrease of the first quarter, but still represented 5,738 fewer models, according to Autovista24 calculations. Despite the decline, the fuel type was still the second-best choice in the country, with a 25.1% market share. This alone was 4.6pp ahead of the combined EV market. In the first quarter, petrol registrations fell by 18.2%, with 71,794 deliveries. This was still good enough for a 23.9% market share, according to Autovista24 calculations. Yet the steep declines across the three-month period meant this share fell by 7.5pp. Meanwhile, diesel deliveries dropped 23.6% in March, although this was on a smaller volume of 4,705 registrations. The fuel type recorded its lowest market share in 2026, with 3.6%. This was down 1.7pp year on year. In the first quarter, diesel volumes were down 26.7%, with 11,931 registrations. The powertrain took a 4% share of the total volume in the period, a drop of 1.8pp. ICE gap closes in Spain Combining petrol and diesel, the ICE market struggled in March with a 16.1% fall, as 37,434 units made their way to customers. The technology recorded a 28.7% hold of the monthly total. However, this marked a drop of 9.5pp year on year, according to Autovista24 analysis. This share was 8.2pp higher than that of EVs. While there is a distance between the two powertrain groups, this gap has dropped from 24.1pp recorded in the third month of 2025. In the first three months of 2026, ICE registrations fell by 19.5%, with 83,726 combined deliveries. The technology’s share of 27.9% was 9.3pp down year on year. However, ICE was still ahead of EVs by 7pp. This gap fell from 23pp recorded after three months of 2025. An older fleet While the country waits for the Auto 2030 Plan to be implemented, there may be a natural push towards electrification. High oil prices are causing increased fuel costs in much of Europe, and Spain is no exception. This could impact the market. The country’s car parc is predominantly made up of older vehicles, which are less fuel-efficient. Should the situation continue, it could mean drivers look to swap their older models for newer ones. ‘What is already clearly having an impact is the increase in fuel prices, and it is affecting the weakest segment of the market. This is cars over 10 years old, which are less efficient and have higher running costs,’ commented Raúl Morales, communications director of dealership group FACONAUTO. ‘In fact, we estimate that if this situation continues over the next 12 months, these vehicles will face an additional fuel cost of around €4 billion,’ he outlined. Meanwhile, Spain’s Sustainable Mobility Law entered into force in December 2025, as reported by DLA Piper. This establishes a broad framework to promote low-emission transport. ‘Decarbonising is not just about electrification. Considering the age of the vehicle fleet, which has already reached 14.6 years, there is an urgent need to complement the demand-boosting strategy with the development of the national renewal plan,’ said Tania Puche, communications director at GANVAM. ‘This was contemplated in the Sustainable Mobility Law, which is already a month behind schedule,’ she concluded. *Editor's note: This article has been corrected since publication, with the number of BEVs registered in the first quarter 27,223, not 27,273 as previously stated.
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What is shaping Europe’s new-car forecast in 2026?

Europe’s new-car market is shifting. Emissions policy changes, uneven electric vehicle (EV) adoption, and contrasting carmaker strategies are revealing gaps. But how does this impact forecasts moving forward? A new outlook webinar will answer this question and more. Europe’s automotive industry stands at an inflection point.Growing geopolitical and economic uncertainty, plus shifting national and regional policies, are impacting the market. This comes as EV adoption across the continent continues to diverge, driven by country-specific differences, plus new technologies and brands. But what effect does all this have on Europe’s new-car market forecast for 2026 and beyond? Does the European Commission’s new Automotive Package materially change expectations? Plus, what are the hidden factors of EV adoption causing contrasting trends across the bloc? To get answers to all these important questions and more, register now for Europe’s Auto Forecast 2026: Technology, Policy, and EV Adoption. This free online event will take place on 1 April 2026, at 9:30 BST / 10:30 CEST. register now Exploring Europe’s new-car forecast Attendees of the upcoming webinar will hear from leading European automotive experts. Identifying actionable trends that will shape the industry over the next 12 to 24 months, the event’s panel will include: Dr Christof Engelskirchen, chief economist and director of professional services, JD Power (Europe) Marco Pasquetti, cluster head of valuations for Spain and Italy, JD Power (Europe) Idesbald Vannieuwenhuyze, cluster head of valuations for Belgium and the Netherlands, JD Power (Europe) Neil King, head of forecasting, EV Volumes, JD Power (Europe) Tom Hooker, journalist, Autovista24 The panel will discuss Europe’s new-car market outlook across multiple powertrains. The impact of the European Commission’s Automotive Package and the UK’s zero-emission vehicle mandate will also be examined. Furthermore, the webinar will explore the reasons behind Europe’s diverging EV adoption. The panel will evaluate what factors are limiting some countries and what is enabling others to forge ahead. This includes the strength of charging infrastructures, purchasing power, natural resource levels and EV running costs. The effect of upcoming model launches and new technologies on Europe’s new-car market will be reviewed too. This is important as these new developments may not have the same impact across all markets. Forecast for many sectors The insights delivered in the webinar will be valuable to a wide-ranging audience from across the automotive sector. This will include: OEMs, pricing and product managers Fleet, leasing, and residual value managers Finance, insurance, and risk analysts Portfolio and remarketing managers Industry executives and business analysts The online event will end with a question-and-answer session. Attendees will be able to submit queries directly to the panellists. Any questions not answered during the webinar will be addressed afterwards via email. Register now for: Europe’s Auto Forecast 2026: Technology, Policy, and EV Adoption. The free online event will take place on 1 April 2026 at 09:30 BST / 10:30 CET. Meanwhile, check out the previous webinar on what to expect from used-car markets this year. Catch up on Autovista24’s coverage and watch the full session: 2026 residual value outlook: Regional shifts and trends.

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