EU car sales rise by 10.1% in February, electric market share holds at 12%

In February, the EU experienced a surge in car sales, up by 10.1 per cent compared to last year, totalling 883,608 units. France and Italy led this growth with double digit increases (13 per cent and 12.8 per cent respectively), while Spain and Germany followed with solid single-digit growth (9.9 per cent and 5.4 per cent).

Battery-electric cars maintained a stable market share of 12 per cent, with sales growing by 9 per cent to 106,187 units. Hybrid-electric cars saw a surge in sales by 24.7 per cent, totalling 255,511 units and capturing nearly 29 per cent of the market. Plug-in hybrid cars also experienced notable growth, now representing 7.3 per cent of the EU car sales.

Petrol cars remained the most popular choice, with a market share of 35.5 per cent, although slightly decreasing from last year. Diesel car sales dropped by 5.1 per cent except in Germany where they grew by 9.7 per cent. Diesel cars now represent 12.9 per cent of the market, down from 15 per cent last year.

“It is encouraging to see a second month of growth for the EU car market following the robust bounce back we saw in January” said Sue Robinson, chief executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), commenting on the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) February figures.

Robinson concluded: “Considering that February, much like January, is often a slightly slower month for car sales, it is positive to see continual growth in EU car sales figures.

“It is encouraging to see that electric vehicle sales have continued to grow in February, although it is important to note that its market share remains at 12 per cent.

“Both the UK and EU governments need to do more to incentivise consumers to make the switch to electric.

“Disappointingly, there was no mention of EV price incentives for UK consumers in the Spring Budget this month. It is important that the UK Government realises the need to also implement similar upfront price incentives to encourage consumers especially with the introduction of the ZEV mandate earlier this year.

“Last week, the EU Parliament also passed the Euro 7 bill to reduce road transport emissions.

“NFDA will continue to communicate with government to drive positive progress in the industry that will benefit retailers, consumers, and the environment.”