European Car Market Picks Up Speed
The European Union’s new car market found fresh momentum in September, suggesting the industry may finally be regaining its rhythm after several turbulent years. Across the bloc, 888,672 new cars were registered during the month, marking a 10 percent increase compared with September last year. For the first time in a while, the nine-month figures also turned positive, with sales rising by 0.9 percent and surpassing the eight-million mark.
Just a few years ago, electric cars were a footnote in sales reports. Now, the picture is decisively shifting towards plug-in power. Battery-electric car sales climbed 20 percent year on year, hybrids rose 15.9 percent, and plug-in hybrids surged by an impressive 65.4 percent. Over the first nine months, hybrids emerged as the market leader, taking a 34.7 percent share of all new registrations. Petrol cars followed at 27.7 percent, while fully electric models accounted for 16.1 percent.
In short, Europe’s car buyers are increasingly thinking in kilowatts and charging cables rather than litres and fuel pumps.
Germany and Spain drove much of the continent’s recovery, posting growth of 12.8 and 16.4 percent respectively. France and Italy also managed to stay in positive territory, albeit more modestly, with increases of 1 and 4.2 percent.
The Baltic region, meanwhile, was in overboost. Latvia recorded a 48.5 percent jump in new car sales, and Lithuania wasn’t far behind with 46.9 percent. Even Germany might envy that kind of acceleration.
Estonia, however, remains stuck in the slow lane. Local buyers continue to keep their wallets closed, with new car sales stubbornly flat. High prices, economic uncertainty and sluggish progress in EV infrastructure have all dampened enthusiasm for upgrading.
Europe’s September sales suggest stabilisation rather than full recovery. Buyers are steadily migrating towards electrified models, yet petrol engines still hold their ground as the practical middle ground between price and availability.
