Insights

Tagged:
Clear filters
Content Type
Topic
Industry
Segment

Event Webinar

Residual Value Outlook 2026: What’s Next for Europe’s Used Vehicle Markets?

For the last few years, used-car markets across Europe have been under pressure, and the second half of 2026 is shaping up to be just as unpredictable. However, in this webinar, you’ll get a clear, data-backed view of where residual values are heading, and why. What’s Driving Europe’s Residual Value Movements in the Second Half of the Year? Behind every shift in used-car pricing is a web of macroeconomic pressures, supply-demand imbalances, and powertrain-level dynamics that are constantly evolving. In 2026, that complexity has only deepened.  Meanwhile, the UK used-car market, one of Europe’s largest and most distinctive, is following its own trajectory.  In this session, our valuations experts will walk you through the latest residual value forecasts, the macro forces behind the numbers, and what it all means for vehicle value retention across the markets you operate in.  Register for the webinar  Join us on 16 July at 10:30 BST / 11:30 CEST,  for a live session covering the latest used-car market forecasts, depreciation trends, and key industry questions for the second half of 2026. SIGN UP NOW Questions we will answer How are macroeconomic trends influencing the automotive market right now?  What is happening in used-car markets as we head into the second half of 2026?  What do the latest forecasts reveal, and what should you prepare for today?  Meet our experts Hear directly from our specialists with hands-on experience across European used-car markets, residual value modelling, and automotive pricing forecasts Who This Webinar Is For This session is designed for automotive industry professionals whose work is directly shaped by used-car values, vehicle depreciation, and market pricing dynamics: Finance, insurance, and risk analysts   Fleet, leasing, and residual value managers   OEMs  Pricing and product managers   Portfolio and remarketing managers   Industry executives and business analysts   What You Will Gain A clear view of the European used-car market conditions: Understand depreciation pressures, supply dynamics, and demand signals determining vehicle value retention across key European markets.  The latest residual value forecasts, straight from the source: Get the most up-to-date RV projections and used-car pricing outlook, explained by the experts.  A focused look at the UK used-car market: Dig into one of Europe’s largest and most unique automotive markets, its depreciation trends, pricing dynamics, and what they signal for the broader region.  The market will remain uncertain for some. Yet, by attending this webinar, you can gain a sharper understanding of the forces shaping residual values and used-car price movements in the second half of 2026, and what they mean for the decisions you’re making right now.  Got questions? We’ll answer them live Submit your questions to [email protected], and if we don’t get to them on the day, one of our experts will follow up directly. Register now, and if you miss the live session, a recording of the webinar will be available.  

Insights

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.
|

Insights

What is an infotainment system?

Technological advances have rendered older in-car entertainment systems effectively obsolete. Now, carmakers combine entertainment and information as a central point of interior design. Autovista24 special content editor Phil Curry examines the rise of the infotainment system. The rapid development of technology has replaced in-vehicle cassette and CD players with new systems. While music streaming meant losing bulky radio units, the need to display more driver information required bigger screens.   By combining information and entertainment, the infotainment system has been a step forward for interior vehicle design and functionality. These systems are now a staple of modern cars, but some developments have been a cause for concern.  https://youtu.be/yVLCP0bfm-0 Growth of the infotainment system  With the development of touchscreen technology, integrating displays into vehicles for data and control access is a logical step. These screens provide more than just music playback. They also offer access to a wide range of systems.  These displays can provide navigation, views from external-facing cameras, as well as battery charge and health in electric vehicles (EVs). Many also feature Bluetooth connection for calls and smartphone integration. This allows users to bring their own music, apps and personal settings into the car.   Meanwhile, the infotainment system can act as a control location for certain vehicle functions. Menus and sub-menus provide detailed access to advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), vehicle customisation, driver profiles, and more.  Some carmakers have even opted to reduce or remove physical buttons for certain systems. This produces a cleaner and sleeker interior design, but can also lead to potential safety issues.  Are screens a distraction?  The ability of an infotainment system to house various vehicle controls can free up space inside a car. However, with some controls buried in sub-menus, out of easy reach of the driver, there are concerns around distraction.  Climate control, driving profiles, heated seats, and regenerative braking levels in EVs can be reduced from physical to digital buttons. But searching for these settings on a touchscreen can mean less focus on the road.   Research published by  TRL, on behalf of safety charity IAM Roadsmart in 2020, highlighted these concerns. Findings showed that driving performance was more negatively impacted when using touch controls compared with voice control.   Study participants were able to keep their eyes on the road more when using voice control than touch control. They were also more likely to identify stimuli that required attention. Despite this, most participants in the study reported using touch rather than voice control in their real-world driving.  Ensuring infotainment system safety  The concerns over driver distraction have led to Euro NCAP making a button-based request of carmakers for 2026. The safety body is asking manufacturers to either offer physical controls or dedicate a fixed portion of the cabin display to primary driving functions. This includes the horn, indicators, hazard lights, windscreen wipers and headlights.   So, the road ahead looks to be a matter of balance when it comes to infotainment systems. The technology will still need to support an increasing number of vehicle capabilities while also meeting higher consumer expectations. However, this will need to be levelled with control accessibility and driver attention.   
Radio microphone on black background. 3d illustration|

Insights

The Automotive Update: The changing fortunes of Chinese and European EV markets

How did the Chinese and European electric vehicle (EV) markets perform at the start of 2026? Plus, which manufacturers are speeding up plug-in vehicle charging? Tom Hooker, Autovista24 journalist, presents the latest episode of the Automotive Update. In this episode, Autovista24 looks at the varying performances of the Chinese and European EV markets. Plus, how are carmakers speeding up EV charging? Also, an insight into which manufacturers are turning to robotics and AI for use in their production lines. Subscribe to the Autovista24 podcast and listen to previous episodes on Spotify, Apple and Amazon Music. China sees EV struggles China’s EV market recorded a decline of 27.1% in January, according to the latest data from EV Volumes. Both the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and battery-electric vehicle (BEV) sectors saw sales decline year on year. The results were reflected in the best-seller tables, where mainstream models struggled. The Xiaomi YU7 was the leading BEV in January, with a dominant display. It  was some way ahead of the second-placed Nio ES8. The Tesla Model Y finished third. Meanwhile, the PHEV table saw BYD dominance slip away. Leading the charge was the Fang Chen Bao Tai 7, a BYD sub-brand and model. It was ahead of the Aito M7, while the BYD Song Pro finished third in the month. Europe’s EV market on a high Conversely, Europe’s EV sales grew, according to EV Volumes data. Sales were up 19.2% overall in January, with both BEVs and PHEVs seeing increases. PHEVs posted a 33.5% rise, while BEV deliveries increased by 12.7%. The Skoda Elroq was Europe’s best-selling BEV in January. It was followed by the combined results of the Renault 5 and Alpine A290, with the Tesla Model Y in third. In the PHEV market, two Chinese models led the way. The BYD Seal U came first, ahead of the Jaecoo J7. Both PHEVs were well ahead of the Volvo XC60 in third place. Even faster battery charging The Denza Z9GT, a model from BYD’s premium marque, is set to arrive in Europe later this year. It could enable quicker charging times of up to 12 minutes. According to Denza, the Z9GT delivers a 10% to 70% charge in only five minutes, and a 10% to 97% refill in just nine minutes. The carmaker also quoted a 20% to 97% recharge in 12 minutes, even in temperatures around -30°C. Meanwhile, Chery has revealed its all-solid-state battery that can achieve a range of over 1,500km, Electrek reported. A robotic future? Renault is using an AI-trained humanoid robot, called Calvin, to help it build cars. It was developed by French robotic firm Wandercraft. Renault plans to roll out a further 350 humanoid robots over the next 18 months, according to Auto Express. This comes as carmakers increasingly identify automation and robotics investment as a key response to rising costs and competitive pressures. A recent survey by ABB robotics revealed that 31% of vehicle manufacturers and suppliers felt this way.
|

Insights

The Automotive Update: What does China’s slowing EV market mean for global sales?

What is happening in China’s electric vehicle (EV) market? How much is Uber investing in autonomous vehicle charging hubs? Can Europe build its own EV batteries? Tom Geggus, Autovista24 editor, discusses these points in The Automotive Update podcast. In this episode, Autovista24 analyses China’s slowing EV market and reveals the best-selling models in the country. Plus, how has Tesla avoided suspension of its dealer and manufacturer licence in the US? Subscribe to the Autovista24 podcast and listen to previous episodes on Spotify, Apple and Amazon Music. China’s slowing EV market Globally, China accounts for 59.1% of battery-electric vehicle (BEV) sales and 70.3% of plug-in hybrid (PHEV) deliveries. But despite dominating the figures, the country saw its total EV numbers struggle in December. Figures rose by just 0.5%, according to the latest data from EV Volumes. Despite total plug-in sales increasing between January and December last year, this was not helped by the country’s PHEV market. It experienced a run of monthly declines from July onwards. One reason for this poor performance was the decline of BYD. The brand accounted for 33.3% of total EV sales in China during 2025 and dominated the PHEV market. Yet its sales were down 9.9% across the year. However, with new players entering the PHEV market, 2026 will see more brand diversification. This could help boost figures, while new BYD models will also help impress buyers. BEV sales rose by just 4% in December 2025 following a run of double-digit improvements. China’s carmakers will be hoping this is not the start of a new trend, especially if the PHEV market continues to struggle. Tesla avoids suspension Tesla has avoided a 30-day suspension of its dealer and manufacturer license in California. This follows the brand halting its use of the term ‘Autopilot’ in its vehicle marketing in the state. The Department of Motor Vehicles adopted a decision that the use of the term is ‘misleading and violates state law’. This is linked to Tesla’s use of Autopilot to describe its advanced driver-assistance systems. Uber invests in autonomous charging Uber Technologies will invest more than $100 million (€84.9 million) into autonomous vehicle charging hubs, according to Reuters. The company will deploy DC fast charging stations at its fleet depots and other locations throughout priority cities. This is expected to begin in the Los Angeles Bay Area as well as Dallas, before hitting other hubs. Uber will also work with charge point operators to establish ‘utilisation guarantee agreements’. This will support the rollout of hundreds of new chargers in cities across the world. EV charging offer in the Netherlands Leasing provider, Ayvens, has launched a new EV charging offering. Ayvens Power promises customers in the Netherlands access to over one million charging points across Europe, spanning different operators. Drivers will get real-time availability and pricing details before arrival. Meanwhile, a fleet portal will provide charging insights, cost visibility and reporting tools. The solution is due to roll out in France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, and the UK later in 2026. Can Europe build EV batteries? Yann Vincent, CEO of the Automotive Cells Company (ACC), has questioned who will make batteries for Europe’s domestic carmakers. ‘One crucial question remains: who will manufacture the batteries for European cars?’ Vincent asked. ‘Asian players, particularly Chinese giants, as is already the case for 99% of them? At the risk of putting the strategic independence of European car manufacturers solely in the hands of BYD, CATL, LG, etc?’. The CEO also confirmed that the ramp-up of ACC’s gigafactory in Hauts-de-France is taking longer and costing more than expected. This is weakening the company’s financial position. He also stated the goal of building the factory was ‘too close to give up on.’
A professional studio microphone illuminated by atmospheric green lighting against a dark background. A sleek and modern setup for podcasting

Insights

The Automotive Update: Carmakers accelerate AI applications at CES 2026

Which carmakers and technology companies are betting big on artificial intelligence (AI), and how do they plan to use it? Autovista24 editor Tom Geggus picks out key talking points from this year’s CES in The Automotive Update podcast. Major automotive companies are integrating AI into their vehicles. This means technology companies such as Nvidia are becoming integral partners in this seismic industry shift. However, they are not alone, as automotive suppliers are looking to keep up. Subscribe to the Autovista24 podcast and listen to previous episodes on Spotify, Apple and Amazon Music. Mercedes-Benz leans into AI with Nvidia Mercedes-Benz used CES 2026 to confirm that the new CLA will feature the AI-powered Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS). This advanced driver-assistance(ADAS) technology is powered by Nvidia’s full-stack drive software, AI infrastructure and compute power. This could assist over-the-air updates (OTA), including planned upgrades to the MB.Drive drive-assistance technology. This is aimed at enabling advanced SAE Level 2 capabilities in complex urban settings.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tJMYyVaOSw Mercedes-Benz confirmed its electric GLC will utilise MB.OS, as well as AI from Microsoft and Google in its infotainment system. The model is set to arrive in the US in the second half of this year.  ‘As the automotive industry embraces physical AI, Nvidia is the intelligence backbone that makes every vehicle programmable, updatable and perpetually improving through data and software,’ said Ali Kani, vice president of automotive at Nvidia. Nvidia is also working on a collection of open-source AI models called Alpamayo family, designed to accelerate autonomous vehicle development. Plus, the company announced that its Drive Hyperion ecosystem will expand to include more automotive companies. This comes as it embraces advanced SAE Level 4 and full self-driving technology.  Afeela and AI assistants Sony Honda Mobility brought a new vehicle to CES 2026, the Afeela Prototype 2026. A production version of the model could launch in the US in 2028. Its predecessor, the Afeela 1, has been available for reservations in California since January 2025. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMkmiZS0brQ Delivery hubs are set to open this spring in the US state. Arizona will see sales in 2027, with Japan due to see deliveries in the first half of that year. Sony Honda Mobility also unveiled the Afeela personal agent, an interactive, conversational AI. It will use Microsoft Azure OpenAI to provide personalised dialogue.  BMW gave a demo of its AI-powered personal assistant. Built on Amazon’s Alexa+ technology, the assistant was presented within the Neue Klasse debut model, the BMW iX3.  Users can interact with the car’s large language model to control in-vehicle operations. The assistant also has access to information beyond the car, allowing it to answer a broad range of questions. This technology will be gradually rolled out in Germany and the US in the second half of 2026.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JQu-H-iJqg Ford also announced it will roll out an intelligent assistant. It will be available on users’ phones before it reaches their cars. The Ford and Lincoln apps will support the technology beginning in the first half of this year. The carmaker said it plans to reach up to eight million customers.  The Ford AI Assistant promises to be capable of providing contextually useful information, such as vehicle storage capacity. This technology looks set to arrive in Ford and Lincoln vehicles by 2027.    Source: Ford Architecture and autonomy Geely brought its full-domain AI 2.0 to CES 2026. This unified vehicle-wide architecture utilises a central intelligence engine, capable of operating all vehicle functions. The autonomous driving system, Geely Afari Smart Driving, uses AI and large-scale real-world driving data. It features high-performance sensors, plus hardware for confident and safe driving.  ‘AI is reshaping the automotive industry in many ways, from powertrains and components to a systematic reconstruction of mobility ecosystems and lifestyles,’ said Jerry Gan, CEO of Geely Auto Group. Lucid confirmed a union with Uber and physical-AI company Nuro to produce vehicles for a global robotaxi service. Autonomous on-road testing began in December, ahead of an expected launch in the San Francisco Bay Area later this year. Source: Lucid Suppliers starring at CES Bosch showcased an all-in-one, personalised, AI-based cockpit. Life-like communication appears possible via large language model. Meanwhile, a visual language model can interpret what is happening inside and outside the vehicle.  Qualcomm confirmed it is working with ZF to deliver scalable ADAS solutions. Leapmotor’s D19 will use Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Elite platform. It combines cockpit, driver assistance, body control and connectivity into one system. The supplier also plans to expand its collaboration with Google to develop software-defined vehicles while accelerating in-vehicle, agentic AI technology.   ‘As the automotive industry rapidly evolves into an AI-powered, software-defined future, our continued collaboration is more critical than ever,’ said Patrick Brady, vice president, engineering at Google. LG’s Mobility Display Solution turns the windshield into an intelligent interface. The Automotive Vision Solution enhances safety and delivers context-aware information via Vision AI.  The In-Vehicle Entertainment Solution provides personalised content recommendations, memory-based media, plusreal-time translation.  ‘We are bringing our future mobility vision to life by embedding AI across our solutions – many of which, including in-cabin sensing, are already in production with global OEMs,’ said Eun Seok-hyun, president of the LG Vehicle Solution Company. ‘By accelerating these innovations to market, we aim to pioneer the era of AI-driven vehicles in the years ahead.’
Skoda vehicle being unveiled at a motor show by two people

Insights

What is an Autovista24 Launch Report?

Every year, dozens of new cars are launched across Europe. Each bring their own benefits to buyers and the wider automotive market. Autovista24 analyses many of these vehicles in the monthly Launch Report series. Special content editor Phil Curry explains the valuable insights on offer. Carmakers are constantly developing vehicles for the automotive market. This results in either brand-new nameplates or next-generation versions of existing models. These new cars each aim to offer drivers something different in an increasingly crowded market. This could be through their design, interior options, technological advances or driving characteristics. While many vehicle reviews will focus on these traits, the Autovista24 Launch Report offers something unique. These monthly vehicle overviews combine a standard review of the car alongside detailed expert analysis and residual value (RV) forecasts. These combined insights elevate the Launch Report to a key piece of information for automotive industry decision makers. https://youtu.be/ZP3RBB0_jfk Launch Report breakdown Each Launch Report features an interactive dashboard that provides analysis and RV comparisons against three competitors. This information is compiled by experts from key European markets, including Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK. The Dashboard features an overview of a vehicle’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. These areas of examination provide a balanced analysis. The strengths segment will look at the best elements of a car, while the weaknesses will point out areas that could be improved. The opportunities section looks at the potential of the model in the automotive market. For threats, the experts look at possible competition, and market conditions that could impede success. Examining residual values Autovista Group experts will also benchmark RV performance against three direct market competitors. These forecast values are determined after 36 months, and market-specific mileages. The study shows the recommended retail price for the model and trim level in question. It also provides the expected value after the time and mileage conditions. This is presented together with the RV, expressed as a percentage of the retained original price. This allows buyers to understand the vehicle’s potential future value. They can then factor this into their purchase decision. This is especially important for fleet buyers, who can understand the financial potential of new models, especially around the average de-fleeting period. This RV information is provided by each market participating in the Launch Report feature. The data is specific to that country, allowing for a more precise and region-specific understanding of vehicle performance. Providing the review Alongside the interactive dashboard, each Launch Report also includes a detailed review of the model itself. This summarises the comments and thoughts of Autovista Group editors, along with Autovista24’s research and experience. The review provides an analysis of the vehicle and adds more context for the dashboard analysis. They are written by experienced motoring journalists and provide a balanced view of each model. This includes more information on design, practicality and driving characteristics. Overall, the Launch Report provides buyers with the complete picture of a vehicle. Alongside the written article, Autovista24 also produces a number of Launch Report videos. These give a visual overview and a detailed look at new models. Alongside this, there is also a breakdown of forecast residual values in select European markets.
An aerial view directly above rows of newly built cars in the automobile industry on a commercial dock ready to be loaded for export and import with VAT and tariffs

Insights

Can carmakers steer towards a successful 2026?

What has defined 2025 for carmakers? Will these trends continue into 2026? Enterprise sales director Thomas Luxenburger considers the upsides and downsides with Autovista24 editor Tom Geggus. What do you think the big trends have been for OEMs in 2025? We need to distinguish between the established OEMs and the newer players, including those trying to strengthen their position. Established carmakers are struggling with declining margins as they lose market share, particularly in former emerging markets. In China, there is fierce competition between importers and domestic brands, which means lots of pressure on margins. Established brands have been losing local market share, resulting in smaller margins. This means these companies have less money to invest back into development. The timing could not be worse, as these brands need to put money into the electric vehicle (EV) transition. Carmakers are also at the forefront of more protectionist politics and policies, such as tariffs. There has also been increased supply chain tension this year, impacting chips and rare earth metals. To remain competitive, companies are looking to balance the books elsewhere. This can include experimenting with direct sales models or monetising software and services. They have also looked to cut staffing and production costs, with manufacturing moved to more affordable locations. Carmaker competition So, new-car markets have seen increased competition this year. How has this impacted pricing, operational strategies and future products? In terms of development, established players have historically needed up to seven years to bring a new model to market. Meanwhile, new players can develop their cars much faster. Software-defined vehicles take far less time to launch and often cost less. This is pushing established OEMs to accelerate their development process and bring more affordable vehicles to the market. Think just about earlier generations of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), established brands offered these at a higher price point. These models have now entered the used-car market and have changed hands once or even twice. But their residual values (RVs) are under pressure from a higher cost-new price. But now, established brands are under more pressure to increase new-car sales volumes, which means investing in more affordable cars. This means a lower list price between €20,000 and €30,000. Direct sales model hype? You mentioned direct sales models earlier. What have carmakers learnt about these systems in 2025? Following the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a lot of hype for carmakers to do everything by themselves. Some set up a flagship store in a big city and thought brand awareness would secure the business. But now perspectives on that approach have changed. Previously, I was surprised that a country like Germany did not see larger dealer groups investing in the market from abroad. However, nowadays there is a very different landscape with much larger groups acquiring medium-sized dealers. Additionally, dealers are quite open to new logos and Chinese brands. This is a totally different situation with larger dealer groups becoming increasingly important and having even greater influence. Meanwhile, new brands are battling each other to acquire their interest. In this landscape with margins under pressure, direct sales are being considered as an opportunity for OEMs. Premium brands could run direct sales models, but mass market ones might struggle more. For these carmakers, having dealer groups in the field and closer to the customer is more advantageous. This is because the risk is carried by the dealer, not the carmaker. If the current socioeconomic situation were more stable, the direct sales model would probably be more advanced. Affordable all-electric cars Carmakers have been looking to affordable BEVs to stay competitive. Do you think this trend will continue? The benefit of my job is getting to see cars at an early stage, so we know what is coming down the pipe. There is obviously an appetite to bring more affordable cars into the market. Also, battery chemistries and technologies are advancing, making it possible to reach target groups at a lower price point. In the coming years, we will see more affordable cars for commuting in urban areas. Even so, carmakers still need to earn money to justify the investment in affordable models, and only volume will cover this. To reach optimum volumes, there must be marketing, with advertising to reveal this new generation of cars. The price point for mobility is the key. Consumers will need to ask themselves what they really need in the day to day. Is a 500km BEV necessary for urban commuting, or would a solar panel and a home charger make more sense? But the used-car market is going to play an important role in the future. In the future, internal-combustion engine cars and affordable BEVs will compete in this space in terms of price attractiveness. I think OEMs need to think about a second or a third used cycle. This means supporting dealerships with the likes of a subscription model for used BEVs. Away from the new car market, this would be a new approach for the powertrain. This would certainly help while registrations continue to recover from a turbulent few years. Commercial vehicle connection What about the light-commercial vehicle (LCV) sector, where the electric transition seems far slower. Could 2026 be the year this changes? I would hope so. You know me, I am LCV addicted. I spoke with some of our colleagues to get their electric LCV adoption forecast, and it will take time. We will not see a significant move in 2026. Change will maybe start in 2027 until the end of the decade. I think it will take much more time beyond 2030 for potential customers to become fully aware of the powertrain. But I do know OEMs that have not previously offered electric LCVs and are now investigating the technology. Elsewhere, the hydrogen discussion has become a bit stuck for LCVs. For heavy trucks, it could be a solution in the future, but I would not expect that personally. I think OEMs will invest in electric LCVs. With the legislation and regulations in the EU, I think this technology will be the way forward. It will take a bit of time, but it will become more important, particularly for the total cost of ownership. Carmakers and supply chains You mentioned advancing automotive technology several times. The need for more advanced parts, like chips, has increased accordingly. But how can OEMs protect themselves when supply chains for these parts become disrupted? It will remain a real challenge. I think OEMs have responded by increasing inventory buffers. We saw this with the disruption of Nexperia chips, where many carmakers tried to fast-track alternatives. It also depends on the contracts and the supply in general. But OEMs are now seeing more reason to spread their risk. Just counting on one supplier can result in quite a mess. Companies may invest in long-term contracts to ensure supply, as well as buffers and alternatives. Some carmakers may even look to get rid of some technology. I think development will now emphasise reducing the number of control units a car needs. Less technology means less reliance on these supply chains. These countermeasures may help OEMs ride the waves of supply chain disruption, but they cannot stop the geopolitical storm. International tensions have a huge impact on the automotive industry, and that is unlikely to change in the short term. The opportunities and challenges With all that in mind, what are the biggest challenges and the greatest opportunities for OEMs in 2026? We can start with opportunities. It is generally hard to say, because I do not have a crystal ball here on my desk. However, I believe that the key lies in the used-car business. This can help support decreasing new-car sales margins. With the right pricing, taking care of RV development could be a pillar for securing the business or covering decreasing margins. A well-established, certified pre-owned programme could also help. It is about developing, coaching, and teaching in the established dealer landscape and taking care of these programmes. They could support a stable value of the cars in the market. Yet, I think the greatest opportunity is to make faster development cycles. The market requires that we move faster technologically. However, this must be done purposefully, not randomly or sporadically. A well-thought-out transition to a new technology will take time. I think 2026 will be another year of transition. Established brands will need to reduce costs, optimise their workflows and strengthen their value chains. Newcomers wanting to make an impact in Europe will look to acquire dealer groups and bring volume into the market. This increased competition will likely be reflected in pricing strategies. New brands will be able to quickly gain ground by utilising customer trust in known dealer groups. So, I am not sure whether all OEMs will survive to the end of the decade. There may be another wave of consolidation on the horizon.

Displaying 12 of 36 insights