Car sales rise in Europe/Consumers buy more electric and hybrid vehicles
Car sales in Europe rose for the third straight month in April as consumers continued to buy more electric and hybrid models. New vehicle registrations rose 7% to 1.15 million last month, the European Automobile Manufacturers Association said. Sales expanded in key markets including Germany and the United Kingdom, with deliveries of electric vehicles rising 38%.
The strong demand is a good sign for European automakers grappling with overcapacity, U.S. tariffs and falling sales in China. Electric vehicle sales are rising as more affordable models are available from both domestic manufacturers including Volkswagen and Stellantis, as well as Chinese brands led by BYD. In Germany, Europe’s largest market where a new subsidy is in effect, electric vehicle sales rose 41%.
While affordable electric cars are doing well, there is growing evidence that more expensive battery-powered cars are still a tough sell. Hybrid car deliveries also rose in the region last month, while gasoline and diesel vehicle sales fell, indicating a continued structural shift in the market towards battery-powered cars.
Tesla continued its recovery in Europe after a difficult 2025. Volkswagen, Stellantis, Mercedes-Benz Group and BMW also posted higher deliveries.
Chinese brands continue to make inroads into Europe, offering relief from a brutal price war at home, with Geely and BYD among the country's biggest sellers. Chery Automobile was among the fastest-growing, up 322%. Its Jaecoo sports cars are proving particularly popular with British buyers.
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