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The Automotive Update: Used Vehicle Retail Summit and regional EV sales

What are the big takeaways from the Used Vehicle Retail Summit? Which electric vehicle (EV) markets stood out in the latest EV Volumes data? Tom Geggus, Autovista24 editor, investigates in the Automotive Update podcast. In this episode, Autovista24 unpacks the Used Vehicle Retail Summit, with insights from journalist Tom Hooker. Plus, analysis of global EV sales results from China, Europe and Australia. Subscribe to the Autovista24 podcast and listen to previous episodes on Spotify, Apple and Amazon Music. Exploring used vehicle retail This year’s Used Vehicle Retail Summit explored the past, present, and future state of the retail sector. The event focused on EVs and how an influx of plug-in vehicles entering the used-car market can be handled. Key topics included EV adoption trends and changing consumer expectations, plus retail’s digital acceleration. Other important considerations included operational optimisation, plus building confidence in battery-electric vehicle (BEV) resale. New dealer strategies, cross-border sales and battery state of health (SoH) reports all emerged as keenly discussed issues. EV retail focus Surging used EV sales were a major talking point. Speakers highlighted the significance of dealers cementing their EV strategy as soon as possible. This includes calming consumers’ EV concerns with SoH data and exploring battery repair instead of replacement. For consumers, the average car-buying journey is shortening. This may be a result of more online-based purchasing processes and an increase in AI-powered research. Used-vehicle buyers are also demonstrating higher brand switching behaviour than new-car buyers, speakers revealed.  Overall, a mix of online and in-person channels is now the preferred buying process. Information gathering is now largely digital, yet viewing the vehicle still needs to be in-person for many. Speakers identified opportunities to improve the buying journey, as technology can be used to help. However, personal relationships still play a critical role. Easing retail consumer concerns Within an evolving buying process for consumers, dealers, and certified pre-owned portals, more battery health data is now available. To make this easy to understand for buyers, some portals are recalculating vehicle range using SoH reports. Meanwhile, cross-border sales are a notable opportunity to boost dealer profitability, something which is particularly apparent for BEVs. One speaker highlighted that all-electric cars could see significant fluctuations, with cycles as short as 60 days in one market. Declining EV sales According to data from EV Volumes, BEV and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) sales declined across major new-car markets in February. China was a major influencer of this trend as it saw EV sales fall year on year. Nearly half of all new EV sales took place in the country across the first two months of 2026. The US new EV market also fell between January and February. Conversely, some European countries, such as Germany and the UK, saw BEV and PHEV sales increase. Meanwhile, the Australian new EV market continued to grow.
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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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The Automotive Update: Hope for Europe’s new and used-car markets?

How will new-car markets transform over the course of 2026? Plus, what is happening with used-car supply and demand in Europe? Autovista24 editor Tom Geggus finds out in the latest Automotive Update podcast. In this episode, Autovista24 reviews the latest JD Power webinar, which explored Europe’s new-car outlook. Plus, a look into the latest residual value (RV) trends in the continent’s used-car market. Subscribe to the Autovista24 podcast and listen to previous episodes on Spotify, Apple and Amazon Music. Outlook for European automotive markets This week, JD Power hosted its latest webinar: Europe’s Auto Forecast 2026: Technology, Policy, and EV Adoption. The session covered Europe’s new-car market outlook from 2026 to 2040 across multiple powertrains. Panellists also delved into the bloc’s diverging electric vehicle (EV) adoption and the factors behind it. Plus, the webinar reviewed upcoming technologies and emerging brands expanding across the continent. Attendees were asked how much they thought Europe’s new-car market would grow, or shrink, by the end of this year. 40% of respondents expected a year-on-year improvement between 0% and 2% compared to 2025. This matched the latest EV Volumes forecast, which projected a 0.2% increase in its March update. However, this was reduced from the 1.5% growth forecast in its December report. The March update also projected overall growth for European light-vehicle sales, which includes new cars and light-commercial vehicles. In 2026, a year-on-year increase of 0.1% is forecast, down from 1.7% in the previous report. The panel also discussed varying EV adoption rates in the bloc. They identified key structural differences that are either limiting or assisting plug-in uptake. Furthermore, the experts showed how, in some instances, EVs are closing the price gap to internal-combustion engine models. This comes as the choice of small EVs on the new-car market continues to widen. Positivity for used-car markets? JD Power experts forecast year-on-year RV declines across European used-car markets in the latest Monthly Market Update. In Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland and the UK, values are expected to decline by the end of 2026. However, these drops are expected to be slight. A drop is also projected across all observed markets in 2027. This is the case in 2028 as well, except for Italy, with marginal growth forecasted. RVs became inflated during the COVID-19 pandemic when supply was low, but demand was high. As these drivers balanced out, values underwent a period of normalisation. In March 2026, the active-market volume index (AMVI) for 24-to-48-month-old used cars showed year-on-year growth in every observed market. When compared to February 2026, only the UK suffered a marginal downturn, with a slight 1.1% dip in supply. The sales-volume index (SVI) of 24-to-48-month-old cars also increased compared with March 2025. This trend occurred in six of the seven observed markets, except for Italy, which recorded a 1.1% decline. Month-on-month results were more mixed, as single-digit drops were recorded in France, Italy and the UK. If supply continues to outpace demand, RVs will face increased pressure, with more units available and fewer potential buyers.
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BYD and Jaecoo delve into Europe’s new PHEV market

Europe’s electric vehicle (EV) market continued a trend of double-digit growth at the start of 2026. As plug-in hybrid (PHEV) sales soared, two Chinese brands enjoyed success in the region. Tom Hooker, Autovista24 journalist, breaks down the figures. Both battery-electric vehicle (BEV) and PHEV sales enjoyed a strong start to 2026 in Europe, following a record-breaking 2025. PHEVs recorded a 33.5% increase to 101,548 deliveries in January, according to EV Volumes. This was the first time the technology surpassed six-digit sales figures in the first month of the year. The result was in stark contrast to the PHEV market’s global performance, as it endured a 20.6% decline in the same period. Yet this was still some way behind the 188,752-unit total accrued by BEVs. However, this did represent smaller growth of 12.7%. Combining the two technologies, overall EV sales in Europe grew by 19.2% in January to 290,300 units. PHEVs' share of Europe’s EV market increased to 35% in the month, up 3.8 percentage points (pp) year on year. In turn, BEVs took a 65% hold, down from 68.8%. BYD and Jaecoo’s PHEV success Two Chinese models shot out of the starting blocks in January, topping Europe’s PHEV market. First was the BYD Seal U, the continent’s 2025 best-seller. Second was the Jaecoo J7, which placed ninth in last year’s PHEV rankings. The BYD SUV recorded 6,713 sales, giving it its third consecutive monthly first-place finish. Its total was up 261.9% from 12 months earlier, as its share rose 4.2pp to 6.6%. Jaecoo’s J7 followed with 4,166 deliveries. The model has become a strong contender in the European PHEV market after deliveries began taking off in February 2025. Its share stood at 4.1% in January 2026, 0.5pp ahead of the nearest challenger. Contrasting European PHEV fortunes The Volvo XC60 was the first of three European models vying to shine domestically. The SUV led the sector 12 months ago, however, it started 2026 with a 26.4% sales decline. This equated to 3,619 units, handing it a 3.6% share, down from 6.5%. Behind was the Volkswagen (VW) Tiguan, which took second place behind the BYD Seal U last year. Yet the Tiguan started 2026 with a 1.2% drop to 3,547 deliveries. Amid increasing competition, the PHEV's share of overall volumes fell by 1.2 pp to 3.5%. However, not all European PHEVs suffered a decline in January. The Mercedes-Benz GLC saw sales rise 75.9% to 3,475 units, securing fifth. It captured 3.4% of the market, up 0.8pp year on year. PHEV shares slip The Ford Kuga landed sixth with 3,089 sales. This represented a 4.6% increase on 12 months prior. Even so, its share slipped by 0.9pp to 3%. Seventh was the Hyundai Tucson after a 18% improvement to 2,806 deliveries. The SUV also suffered from increased competition, with its share falling by 0.3pp to 2.8%. A similar story could be seen in eighth. The Toyota C-HR saw its slice of the PHEV market drop from 3.6% to 2.7%. Its volumes were stagnant from January 2025, down 1.3% to 2,726 units. Conversely, sales of the BMW X3 soared by 47.2%, ensuring a ninth-place finish. Its 2,697-unit total translated to a 2.7% share, up 0.3pp year on year. The VW Golf came 10th, with an even greater increase of 81.2% to 2,558 sales. It made up 2.5% of total PHEV volumes, up 0.6pp from January 2025. The hatchback was the only non-SUV present in the PHEV top 10. SUVs were not far off from filling out January’s top 10. Just seven units behind the VW Golf sat the BMW X1, followed by three further SUVs. This highlights how the body type is dominating PHEV sales in Europe. Skoda’s strong start to 2026 Europe’s BEV best-sellers list featured a more diverse range of body types. Yet an SUV still led the way, as the Skoda Elroq returned to first place. 2025’s second-place finisher posted 8,146 sales in January. This gave the all-electric model a 4.3% share of Europe’s BEV market. The combined deliveries of the Renault 5 and the Alpine A290 narrowly missed out on victory. Just 45 units behind the lead, the duo’s 8,101-unit total was up 75.5%, as its share soared from 2.8% to 4.3%. Last year’s best-selling BEV in Europe, the Tesla Model Y, took third. Its 7,130 deliveries were up 21.2% compared to 12 months prior. The crossover made up 3.8% of all-electric volumes, a 0.3pp improvement from January 2025. This was a good result considering its typical delivery pattern is weighted towards the end of the quarter. Slowing sales for VW models In fourth, the Skoda Enyaq was some way back from the leading trio. Its 5,475 deliveries were down 18.4% year on year, as its share slipped 1.1pp to 2.9%. The VW ID.3 was 70 units behind as its sales stagnated. The BEV recorded 5,405 units in January, down 0.3%. In turn, its hold fell by 0.3pp to 2.9%. VW’s other ID models suffered poor results. The ID.7 managed sixth with 4,735 new models leaving dealerships. This translated to a 19.6% slump, while its share went from 3.5% to 2.5%. The ID.4, which led the market 12 months previously, sat seventh in January 2026. It endured a 33.2% drop in sales to 4,541 units. The all-electric model took a 2.4% share, down 1.7pp year on year. VW was not the only German brand to see declining deliveries. The BMW iX1 landed eighth after a 1.6% fall to 4,042 units. Meanwhile, the Audi Q4 e-tron suffered a greater drop of 12.1% to 4,002 sales. Both models recorded a 2.1% share, down from 2.5% and 2.7%, respectively. The Citroen e-C3 took 10th with 3,671 deliveries. This was a 20.5% increase on 12 months prior, while its hold saw a marginal 0.1pp uptick to 1.9%. The Audi Q6 e-tron was 31 units back, narrowly missing out on making January’s top 10 table.
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Is a UK ZEV mandate review imminent?

The UK’s zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate is scheduled for review. But with other countries amending their policies, will the UK’s targets be amended sooner, or later? Autovista24 special content editor Phil Curry reports on SMMT Electrified 2026. The UK automotive industry needs a review of the ZEV mandate, otherwise it could fall behind in the electrification race. That was the main message from the recent SMMT Electrified conference. Held in London’s QEII Centre, the event brought together automotive industry executives, regulators and suppliers. They discussed the current state of the UK’s electric vehicle (EV) market. The conference followed shifting emissions policies in Europe and the dropping of mandated targets in Canada. Meanwhile, the UK Government remains committed to the ZEV mandate. This is despite overall battery-electric vehicle (BEV) registrations failing to meet the 2024 or 2025 targets. The cost of reaching targets The ZEV mandate calls on carmakers to meet an increasing share target of zero-emission models in their annual registrations. It first came into effect in 2024, with a 22% requirement for passenger cars. This increased to 28% for 2025, while the target is 33% next year. This increases annually, reaching 80% by 2030. However, the biggest jump in the requirement comes between 2027 and 2028, with a 14 percentage point rise in the target, to 52%. The Department for Transport (DfT) released a report on the morning of the conference. It highlighted that all carmakers had complied with the ZEV mandate in 2024. Manufacturers had used conversion flexibility, while also borrowing future credits, with some banked for future years. However, SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes highlighted the costs that the industry faced in meeting ZEV mandate targets. ‘Non-compliance is not an option, but compliance comes at a massive cost,’ he told journalists, including Autovista24, during a press conference prior to the event. ‘In the first two years of the mandate, carmakers have spent up to £10 billion (€11.6 billion) in discounting on BEVs. That is in addition to the billions spent on new products, new technologies, and so forth. SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes ‘In 2025, the average discount on a BEV model was £11,000. However, the payment for non-compliance to the ZEV mandate is £12,000 per model. Compliance comes with a tremendous cost, either in incentives, fines, or the need to purchase trading credits. ‘Therefore, while the DfT report shows that carmakers have met the requirements of the mandate in 2024, compliance does not necessarily mean that the mandate is deliverable,’ he stated. Further ZEV mandate challenges One issue impacting BEV uptake appears to be costs for consumers. The technology has long been touted as a more affordable alternative to petrol and diesel in terms of use. However, there is often a cost difference between charging domestically and using public plug-in points. In addition, the implementation of vehicle excise duty (VED) last year increased costs. A pay-per-mile scheme, known as eVED, for BEVs and plug-in hybrids was also announced in 2026. This is set to be introduced in 2028, at a point when the ZEV mandate target is set to jump. For carmakers, this could be a problem. The affordability of BEVs will be reduced, but the requirement for carmakers will leap forward. ‘Additionally, the flexibilities introduced last year will expire from 2029,’ added Hawes. ‘I do not know of anyone in the industry who thinks we will get to 80% of ZEVs by 2030. Beyond that, we still have a lack of clarity. ‘We have neither the regulation nor the certainty about exactly which technologies can be sold. But what we do know is the gap between ambition and demand is too great. The UK's attractiveness, not just as a market, but as a manufacturing location, evaporates. De-carbonisation, if we get this wrong, can mean de-industrialisation.’ Good intentions of the ZEV mandate Hawes stated that the UK’s automotive industry is committed to reducing emissions and working towards net-zero. ‘But sometimes, to reach a destination, you have to take a diversion. When the facts change, you have to adapt,’ he continued. ‘When the ZEV mandate was conceived, the world was a different place,’ Hawes stated. In line with statistics published by the SMMT during the event, he outlined that battery costs were 30% higher in 2025 than anticipated in 2021. Meanwhile, BEVs were 17% more expensive within the same timeframe. In addition, industrial energy costs were 80% higher than expected, Hawes stated. The costs of public EV charging at 50kW points were 120% higher than thought when the ZEV mandate was first discussed, he added. ‘We need it reviewed now and resolved now. Without change, the sector, the economy, mobility and decarbonisation itself are in jeopardy. So, government needs to be bold enough to lead the change to make sure that we have a system that is fit for the future,’ he concluded. Carmakers back early review The ZEV mandate issue remained a constant throughout SMMT Electrified 2026. Carmakers in attendance also backed the need for a review of the current strategy. ‘The ZEV mandate needs to be more aligned to where consumer demand is. Investment is so heavy in the market, then some of the vehicles sold will be loss-making. If you are in that scenario, and you are forced to increase supply as the ZEV mandate does, then that calls investments into question,’ highlighted Eurig Druce, SVP, group managing director at Stellantis UK. ‘If you cannot make a return on investment in a country, then the ability of a company to invest and create the growth that the government is looking for is absent. Therefore, we need to make some quick decisions, and a review next year is too late. We need a review now, to help us make the right decisions on investments,’ he continued. From left to right: Patrick McGillycuddy, managing director at JLR UK, Richard Finchett, deputy managing director at Toyota Manufacturing UK, Nicole Melillo Shaw, Managing Director at Volvo Car UK, Eurig Druce, SVP, group managing director at Stellantis UK But while development of BEVs continues, the route of discounting is not one that carmakers want to be going down. ‘We put a lot of investment into developing and building the advanced technology in BEVs. The last thing anyone wants to do is bring out a car with that much investment, and then start discounting from the beginning. It is unsustainable. So I think we need to make sure that we are allowing for demand to catch up with supply,’ pointed out Nicole Melillo Shaw, managing director at Volvo Cars UK. A different approach Patrick McGillyCuddy, managing director at JLR UK, further underlined the issue of confusion among consumers. ‘We have a very ambitious ZEV mandate, and then we have the eVED, which is proposed to come at a critical time in that journey,’ he said. ‘This causes confusion, and consumers will hesitate. Then we hesitate, and you get an uncertain environment. We produce most of our vehicles in the UK for global export, therefore we have to recognise that different parts of the world are moving at a different pace,’ he added. Ford Motor Company chair and managing director, Lisa Brankin, also brought up the issue during a candid fireside chat. ‘When it comes to a review, the government needs to consider the customer in two areas. They need to knock down the barriers to entry, but also understand and prevent confusing messages. ‘Last year, for example, we had the launch of the Electric Car Grant incentive scheme. That helped drive sales forward. But a few months later, there was the announcement of eVED. The two messages did not align, so the government really needs to be mindful of what it is saying if the end goal is electrification,’ she said. Failure from success Brankin also highlighted how the ZEV mandate directed focus away from Ford’s achievements in 2025. Instead, it suggested failure in the company’s performance, she explained. From left to right: Lisa Brankin, chair and managing director, Ford Motor Company, Katie Derham, host and broadcaster ‘Our sales grew by 20% in 2025, which was a great success. But we count it as a failure as we got to just under 24% of the fleet being ZEVs, when the target in the mandate was 28%. We are moving in the right direction, but not meeting targets,’ she stated ‘We have invested heavily in our facilities in Europe to build EVs, but we are having to discount heavily to meet targets. We may also be forcing people into vehicles that maybe they do not necessarily want, or maybe are not appropriate for them,’ she said. Brankin also pointed to the changes in other ZEV policies that have taken place around the world. ‘Canada has made a change, and our closest partners in the EU have already made adjustments. That was carried out in a matter of months rather than over a longer period. So, I would say to the UK government to get on with it, start the review, decide, and make the announcement this year,’ she continued. Government committed to 2027 ZEV mandate review Taking to the stage at SMMT Electrified 2026, Keir Mather MP, minister for Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation, spoke of the success of the UK’s EV market. He highlighted that the country had the largest BEV share of Europe’s major economies, as a result of ambition, partnership and investment. Autovista24 analysis shows that in 2025, the UK saw its BEV share reach 23.9%, with 473,348 units. While this share was higher than the 19.1% achieved in the closest market, Germany, the volume of BEVs was lower. In 2025, the country saw 545,142 units delivered. Mather also stated that the EV transition in the UK is being backed by tens of billions of pounds in public and private investment. But he acknowledged that the ZEV mandate is potentially a challenge for the industry. ‘Is [the ZEV mandate] ambitious? Yes, of course it is, and we as government are committed to giving you the tools you need to make it happen. The industry successfully complied with the 2024 target, using the flexibilities built into the mandate, and provisional 2025 data also looks promising,’ he commented. ‘We are committed to publish a review of the mandate early in 2027, and we are listening, and we are engaging with stakeholders across the industry.’ When asked about the potential for an early review, as called for throughout the conference, Mather stated: ‘Work on the review needs to begin this year. But early 2027, we feel, is the right point to make sure that we can see properly where the pressure points lie in this ZEV mandate and make sure that it continues to work for manufacturers.’
Aftermarket

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How did Europe’s major used-car markets perform in 2025?

With mixed fortunes in new-car registrations, did used-car transactions in Europe’s big five automotive markets provide some relief last year? Autovista24 special content editor, Phil Curry, examines the latest data. Used-car transactions in Spain, Italy, the UK, France, and Germany all saw growth in 2025, just at varying rates. Some markets may be more concerned than others, however, as 2026 progresses. The results suggest that buyer demand remains high. Volumes continued to outpace those in the respective new-car markets. However, for three of the five countries, used-car growth was lower than registration results. Where reported, the figures also show internal-combustion engines (ICE) continue to dominate, contrasting with new-car market trends. Buyers appear to be turning to used cars, as supplies into new channels dwindle. Spain leads used-car growth Just like its new-car market, the used-car sector in Spain was the fastest growing in Europe’s big five last year. The country saw 2,163,260 transactions across 2025, according to Autovista24 calculations based on monthly data from GANVAM. This was an increase of 4.4% compared to figures from 2024. Spain’s used-car market did not have as smooth a 2025 as its new-car sector, however. Declines in April, May and November pulled figures back. However, the year finished strong, giving the country a good starting point for 2026. The fourth quarter of the year saw 614,872 transactions, a rise of 4.5% compared to the same period in 2024. October saw a 4.4% rise, with 210,332 used cars changing hands, according to Autovista24 analysis. However, November’s sales dipped by 1.1% to 187,208 transactions. But the market bounced back in December, as 217,332 used cars made their way to customers. This was the best monthly volume of the year and represented a 9.9% year-on-year rise. With November’s decline, the only low point in the last half, transactions increased by 5.8% to 1,125,521 sales. A problem with age According to GANVAM, fleet renewal remains a challenge. Sales of three-to-five-year-old models increased by 8.8% across 2025. Transactions of models over 10 years old improved at a slower rate of 4.6% between January and December. Yet they accounted for 57.3% of Spain’s used-car total. This means that the average age of a used car sold in the country was 11 years old. Therefore, GANVAM and fellow Spanish industry body Falconauto are calling for an effective scrappage incentive strategy. This would help remove older, more polluting models from Spanish roads. By tying scrappage into the activation of subsidies for the purchase of new electric vehicles (EVs), this process could be accelerated. Diesel remains on top Diesel transactions fell by 0.8% across 2025, according to GANVAM. However, it was still the most popular powertrain in the used-car market, making up 49.9% of transactions. Petrol was responsible for 36.3% of sales, with volumes increasing by 2.3%. The volume of hybrids, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) only accounted for a small percentage of the market. However, these transactions increased rapidly. BEVs saw an improvement of 53.3% year on year, making up 1.3% of total transactions. By age, newer models were the best-sellers when it came to BEV transactions. Those models less than a year old represented 26% of all-electric sales in the year. Models between one and three years of age accounted for 32.1% of those sold. Meanwhile, PHEVs saw growth of 43.7% compared to 2024, with a 2% market share. Used-car market stronger in Italy Italy’s used-car market ended 2025 as the second-fastest growing of Europe’s big five. This was contrasted with its new-car market, which struggled throughout the year. According to industry association ANFIA, a total of 5,648,961 transactions took place between January and December. This was up 3.3% compared to 2024, equating to an extra 181,029 sales, according to Autovista24 calculations. Only one month in the year saw a decline in used-car transactions, with May recording a dip of 3.9%. This was not enough to dent the market’s progress, with September’s 10.5% jump. The fourth quarter of the year proved steady, with a 1.6% rise in cars changing hands. A total of 1,505,900 transactions took place between October and December. This meant a better-performing second half of 2025, with a 3.6% rise in sales. October saw 552,410 deliveries, an increase of 1.8% compared to the same period in 2024. November was the second-worst performing month of the year, with 470,157 transactions resulting in a 0.3% increase. December saw 483,333 used-car sales take place. This was good enough for a 2.7% rise compared to 12 months prior. Further growth for UK The UK’s used-car market ended 2025 with a flourish, as figures improved for the third consecutive year. In total, 7,807,872 used cars changed hands between January and December, an increase of 2.2% compared to 2024. The latest figures from the SMMT show growth in each quarter of the year, as buyers continued to turn to older cars to meet their needs. Just February and November saw dips, down 0.3% and 0.2% respectively. These results did little to impact the overall market, however. A total of 1,769,501 transactions took place between October and December, a year-on-year rise of 1.3%. October was the strongest month of the three in terms of volume, with 674,801 sales and a 0.8% increase. November saw a 0.2% decline as 606,182 models changed hands. While representing the lowest transactions of the year, December’s 488,518 total was a rise of 4.1%. This was the second-largest volume increase after March’s 6.9% rise. These results meant the second half of the year saw an improvement of 2.1%, just 0.1pp lower than the result between January and June. Petrol leads the way Petrol increased its transaction volume in 2025, with 1.5% more sales taking place. In total, 4,430,901 units changed hands in the 12-month period. This gave the powertrain a 56.7% market share. Meanwhile, diesel fell 3.3% year on year to 2,586,279 transactions. The fuel type represented 33.1% of total sales in 2025. This performance came in stark contrast to the new-car market, where diesel registrations fell 15.6% with just 103,906 deliveries taking place. This could be due to a decline in the availability of diesel cars, rather than demand. As supply into the used-car market falls, the high used-diesel sales may be contributing to the country’s ageing car parc. The figures show that interest in the internal-combustion engine (ICE) market is far from over. In total, 89.9% of transactions in 2025 were petrol or diesel-powered models. EVs increase their presence However, the strongest growth came from full-hybrid (HEV) and BEV powertrains. With more supply into the used-car market, electrified deliveries are continuing to improve. HEVs saw 407,531 units sold in 2025, a rise of 33.1%. They gained a 5.2% market share in the 12-month period. Meanwhile, BEVs saw 274,815 models changing hands, a rise of 45.9% year on year. This was good enough for a 3.5% share of total used-car transactions in the year. PHEVs, however, declined by 4.4%, with just 88,032 transactions, making up 1.1% of sales. Electrified drives accounted for 9.9% of total sales in 2025. It is likely this growth will continue throughout 2026. More models will become available from the new-car market, increasing supply into used-car channels. France falls flat After a strong start in January, the French used-car market experienced a steady year in 2025, according to information from AAA Data. The high 7.7% year-on-year increase in the first month of the year was not beaten, although December’s 6% surge came closest. Overall, results middled, with the market experiencing a small, 0.8% increase across the 12-month period. The fourth quarter saw a similar rise of 0.8%, as December’s strong result was reined in by declines in October and November. In October, 483,743 used cars changed hands, resulting in a decline of 1.1%. This was followed by a 2% drop in November, with 423,704 transactions. December’s 6% rise was thanks to 452,149 sales. This was enough to help used-car transactions in France limp over the line with growth. This was in contrast to the country’s new-car market, which fell by 6.1% last year. According to AAA Data, the used-car market has been characterised by a shortage of newer models since the COVID-19 pandemic. Transactions of used cars under five years old declined by 7% in 2025, impacted by drops in new-car registrations. In total, 1,552,835 models in this age range changed hands. However, cars over 10 years old saw sales jump by 6%, likely adding to the country’s increasing average car parc age. With 2,644,957 transactions, they made up the majority of used-car deliveries. Meanwhile, models aged between five and 10 years record 1,198,640 transactions, a 1% increase year on year. ICE domination continues While the electrification of the French used-car market continued, ICE models still dominated sales in 2025. According to AAA Data, diesel transactions fell by 4%, making up 45% of total deliveries in the year. Meanwhile, petrol models recorded a 3% decline in the year, taking a 39% market share. This means ICE cars accounted for 84% of the country’s used-car total in 2025. Used electric cars accounted for 3% of the market between January and December, with volumes rising 30%. Meanwhile, hybrid deliveries took 12% of the total. Germany sees stable demand Germany’s used-car market remained stable in 2025, helped by a strong result in December. This came after two months of decline that threatened to push the sector into a year-on-year loss. In total, 6,512,427 used-car transactions took place in the year, according to the KBA. This was a rise of just 0.5% compared to 2024. Much like the country’s new-car market, transactions of used cars saw a rollercoaster year, with a equal number of monthly declines and increases. The fourth quarter of 2025 saw sales rise by just 0.4%, with 1,560,389 transactions taking place according to Autovista24 calculations. The quarter started with a 2.8% decline in October, as 558,790 passenger cars were sold. November also saw a drop in volumes of 3.2%. However, the market bounced back in December, with an 8.8% rise proving to be the strongest growth of the year. This was thanks to 485,953 transactions. This boosted the second half of 2025 to an improvement of 0.7%, meaning Germany’s used-car market finished the year growing. However, the country will be hoping for more stability in transactions during 2026.
Dealer

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What was Europe’s best-selling new EV in 2025?

European deliveries of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) reached new highs in 2025. For both powertrains, however, the best-selling model did not hail from a domestic carmaker. Autovista24 journalist Tom Hooker reveals the two EV champions. Europe’s historic EV performance in 2025 was a joint effort between BEVs and PHEVs. Both technologies contributed to the continent’s record-breaking plug-in growth, with double-digit improvements of around 30% year on year. BEVs enjoyed a 29.9% sales increase to 2,598,165 units, according to EV Volumes’ latest data. This was the powertrain’s biggest full-year percentage growth since 2021. PHEVs saw a smaller volume of 1,283,160 units. However, this represented a steeper rise of 34.2% compared to 2024, the technology’s best year-on-year improvement in four years. The result marks a significant comeback for PHEVs, which suffered full-year declines in 2022, 2023 and 2024. PHEV’s notable volume growth translated to a bigger slice of the EV market. Plug-in hybrids made up 33.1% of all new EV deliveries in Europe during 2025. This was an increase of 0.8 percentage points (pp) year on year, and 0.2pp ahead of its 2023 share. While BEVs remained dominant, the powertrain’s share fell from 67.7% in 2024 to 66.9% in 2025. BEV’s remarkable growth All-electric cars witnessed a remarkable increase in deliveries during December, which gave the EV figures a final boost. Volumes surged by 52.3% year on year to 311,801 units. This was the biggest percentage growth recorded since August 2023. The result also completed a 12-month run of consecutive double-digit improvements. PHEV's December was also impressive, with a total of 127,251 sales equating to a 40.1% increase year on year. This result displayed consistency, the determining factor in the technology outpacing new BEV growth in 2025. PHEVs started the year poorly, with two declines in January and February. Since March, however, the powertrain recorded 10 double-digit gains, six of which surpassed the 40% mark. Meanwhile, BEVs only managed to clear this threshold in December. New EV sales by country Amid relatively balanced new BEV and PHEV growth, some countries saw their EV market shares surge, while others stalled. Within Europe’s new all-electric car market, Germany recorded the highest number of sales. 20.8% of BEVs sold in Europe last year were delivered in Germany, up 1.9pp year on year. The UK, which led Europe’s BEV market in 2024, fell to second despite a double-digit improvement. It accounted for 18.2% of all BEV sales in Europe, down 0.9 pp. Third was France, which saw a steeper share decline of 1.8pp to 13%. Norway finished fourth, enjoying the biggest year-on-year volume increase of any country in the top five. Sales soared by 50.7%, as its share rose by 0.9pp to 6.6%. The Netherlands came fifth, with its market hold decreasing by 0.5pp to 6.1%, even with deliveries improving by 20.6%. In the PHEV market, Germany also topped the standings, again helped by strong sales growth. Its share surged by 4.2pp to 24.2%. The UK followed with a 17.6% hold, stable from 2024. After posting the sixth-highest new PHEV volumes in 2024, Spain jumped to third in the table, thanks to a 118.3% rise in sales. Consequently, its market share went from 6.1% to 10%. France faced falling PHEV deliveries in fourth. This caused its share to slump, dropping from 15.2% in 2024 to 8.6% in 2025. Italy was fifth with a 7.6% market share, up 2.1pp year on year. The country witnessed an 85.7% uptick in PHEV sales during 2025. Europe’s best-selling new EV revealed While EV adoption speeds varied across European countries last year, one model emerged as a clear champion. After taking the title in 2022, 2023 and 2024, the Tesla Model Y was victorious in 2025. With 150,605 sales, the crossover was not only the best-selling BEV, but the best-selling EV overall. It captured 5.8% of the all-electric car market, and it sat 56,518 units ahead of its closest competitor. Following its usual quarterly reporting pattern, the Model Y also dominated the BEV standings in December. This was thanks to 23,732 sales. However, despite its lead, its volume represented a 17.4% decline year on year. This forms part of a waning trend for the Model Y in Europe. The crossover’s full-year sales total marked a drop of nearly 60,000 units compared to 2024. It also represented a loss of over 100,000 units from 2023. Skoda’s new SUV secures second Second place was claimed by the Skoda Elroq, which posted 94,087 units between January and December 2025. This was an impressive feat considering the compact SUV began series production in January 2025. Sales showed no signs of slowing in December, with a best-ever monthly total of 12,645 units. This was enough to put it in second in the monthly BEV table. The combined sales of the Renault 5 and Alpine A290 took third in the full-year standings, with 90,770 units. Like the Skoda Elroq, European deliveries began in 2024, building into a record result in December 2025. The hatchbacks saw 11,903 deliveries during the month, up 86.4% year on year, securing third. The Tesla Model 3 finished fourth in 2025, posting 86,612 sales. Unusually, the sedan ended the year with a delivery drop compared to November. This contradicts the BEV's regular trend of recording higher sales at the end of the quarter. Yet, its 11,227-unit total was still enough for fourth in December, despite representing a 26.9% fall year on year. Last-minute position changes Fifth went to the Volkswagen (VW) ID.3, as it posted 78,899 deliveries in its fifth full year on the market. December was its highest volume month, with 8,451 new models leaving dealerships, its best figure since June 2024. This also equated to a 76.1% improvement year on year, putting it sixth in the monthly standings. Just 576 units behind was the Skoda Enyaq, with 78,323 sales in 2025. Of this total, 7,437 units came in December alone, a 2.9% increase on 12 months prior and its highest monthly volume since March 2025. However, with other models seeing steeper growth in December, this was only enough for ninth place. A further 335 units back was the VW ID.4, with 77,988 deliveries. Like many other BEVs, December marked a high point for the model in 2025. Its 8,565-unit total was its best since July 2023 and equated to a 57% rise on December 2024. It placed fifth in the monthly table, just ahead of its sibling, the ID.3. Record results Another all-electric offering from VW’s ID range secured eighth with 76,528 sales: the ID.7. It achieved a new monthly delivery record in December, with 8,359 units, up 49.2% year on year. Overall, five VW Group models featured in Europe’s BEV best-sellers table in 2025. Additionally, Audi’s Q4 e-tron and Q6 e-tron models placed 11th and 12th. BMW’s iX1 took ninth, with 67,618 deliveries. This was helped by a strong December, where the SUV placed seventh. A total of 8,423 new models left dealerships, its best-ever monthly figure and up 55.1% year on year. The Kia EV3 rounded out the full-year standings in 10th, as the crossover SUV posted 66,350 sales in 2025. The model failed to make December’s table. Instead, placing 10th in December was the Audi Q4 e-tron, with 7,180 sales. This was an increase of 19.6% year on year and meant five models from VW Group made the monthly top 10. BYD’s new PHEV champion Europe’s PHEV market crowned a new champion in 2025: the BYD Seal U. The SUV led the way with 66,611 sales from January to December, giving it a 5.2% share. It marked BYD’s maiden win in Europe, as the PHEV fended off strong competition from domestic models. The model also topped December’s monthly standings, with 8,606 deliveries translating to a year-on-year increase of 213.9%. Its closest rival, the VW Tiguan, was 6,109 units behind across the year, with 60,502 new models leaving dealerships in 2025. The model recorded 4,827 sales in December, an improvement of 28.5%. Third went to the 2024 victor, the Volvo XC60, which recorded 58,979 deliveries. The PHEVs' sales pace slowed in December, as it suffered a 6.5% decline to 5,981 units. New sales trail off Some distance behind in the full-year standings was the Ford Kuga in fourth, with 44,500 sales. This was still more than it achieved in 2024 when it placed second, highlighting the increased competition in Europe’s PHEV market. Volumes trailed off in the final quarter of the year, culminating in a weak December. The Kuga delivered 2,722 units in the month, its lowest figure since May 2024. The Mercedes-Benz GLC enjoyed a much stronger end to 2025, finishing in fifth with 39,373 units. It finished in the same place in December’s standings, with 4,576 deliveries. This was the fourth consecutive month where sales passed the 4,000-unit threshold. Just one unit behind in the yearly table was the MG eHS. This was a lucky escape for the GLC, as the MG eHS stormed to second in December’s table with surging sales. Its 6,000-unit total was up 223.6% compared to 12 months prior. The result also marked the PHEV’s largest-ever monthly volume. These moves came at the expense of the BMW X1, which took seventh in the full-year table. The model posted 39,226 units in the 12-month period. As its closest rivals placed highly in December, the SUV could only manage eighth. The X1 suffered a 19.5% year-on-year drop in the month to 3,083 units. Jaecoo’s accelerating progress The Toyota C-HR claimed eighth in 2025 with 35,356 units. In December, the PHEV enjoyed a 114.1% sales jump to 3,194 units. Taking ninth was the Jaecoo J7, thanks to 29,587 deliveries in 2025. Strong monthly results towards the end of 2025 helped to accelerate its progress, including a sixth-place finish in December. Rounding out the yearly table was the Cupra Formentor, which took 10th. The PHEV posted 29,327 deliveries from January to December. Key new EV market trends This meant that the top 10 best-selling PHEVs in Europe last year were all SUVs. This contrasted with the BEV chart, which included other segments such as hatchbacks. However, compared to the BEV best-sellers list, the PHEV top table featured a higher variety of brands. For the latter, 10 different carmakers filled the top 10 spots, while six marques placed in the BEV standings. These trends could change by the end of this year, as new EVs continue to enter the market. Competition is set to increase as volumes grow further. This will make it harder for individual models and brands to solely dominate the BEV or PHEV standings.

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