In 2024, new car registrations increased slightly, by just 0.8%in approx 10.6 million units. Spain continued to show resilience with a steady growth rate of 7.1%. Conversely, decreases were observed in France (-3.2%), Germany (-1%) and Italy, with a slight drop of 0.5%. Battery cars took 13.6% of the total pie, according to official data from the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA).

In December 2024, new car registrations in the EU increased by 5.1%. Spain led the way with strong double-digit growth of 28.8%, followed by France with a modest increase of 1.5%. However, among the four largest EU markets, declines were seen in Germany (-7.1%) and Italy (-4.9%).

New car sales in the EU by energy source

Battery electric cars remained the third most popular choice for buyers in 2024. In December, their market share was 15.9%, contributing to a 13.6% share for the full year, again surpassing diesel, which decreased to 11.9%. Gasoline cars maintained their lead at 33.3%, while hybrid-electric cars strengthened their second position, holding a 30.9% market share.

Electric cars: Registrations of battery electric cars fell by 10.2% to 144,367 units in December 2024. This decrease was mainly due to a significant decrease in sales in Germany (-38.6%) and France (-20.7%), resulting in a market volume decrease of 5.9% for 2024, compared to 2023. As a result, the overall market share for battery electric cars formed to 13.6% for 2024.

The classifications plug-in hybrid cars rose by 4.9% last month, driven by significant increases in France (44.9%) and Germany (6.8%). In December, plug-in hybrids accounted for 8.3%, maintaining the same levels as the previous year. However, total year volumes for 2024 were down 6.8% compared to 2023.

Hybrid electric vehicle registrations rose 33.1% in December, with market share rising to 33.6%, from 26.5% last December, outpacing gasoline car registrations for the fourth straight month.

Petrol and diesel cars: In December 2024, petrol car registrations fell by 1.8%, with all major markets down except Spain, which saw a 16% increase. France saw the biggest decline, with registrations plummeting by 23%, followed by Italy with an 11.4% drop. Germany also recorded a decrease of 7.4%.

With 269,260 new cars registered last month, petrol’s market share fell to 29.6%, from 31.6% in the same month last year. The diesel car market fell by 15%, resulting in a 9.8% market share for diesel vehicles last December. Overall, double-digit declines were seen in most EU markets.

In 2024, new car registrations rose slightly, rising 0.8% to about 10.6 million units. Spain continued to show resilience with a steady growth rate of 7.1%. Conversely, decreases were observed in France (-3.2%), Germany (-1%) and Italy, with a slight drop of 0.5%.

About ACEA

The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) represents the 16 major car, truck and bus manufacturers based in Europe: BMW Group, DAF Trucks, Daimler Truck, Ferrari, Ford of Europe, Honda Motor Europe, Hyundai Motor Europe, Iveco Group, JLR , Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Renault Group, Stellantis, Toyota Motor Europe, Volkswagen Group and Volvo Group.

About the EU car industry

13.2 million Europeans work in the automotive sector. 10.3% of all manufacturing jobs in the EU. Tax revenues for European governments amount to 383.7 billion. euro. Trade surplus 106.7 billion euros for the European Union. Over 7.5% of EU GDP is generated by the automotive industry. At 72.8 billion EUR R&D expenditure per year, 33% of the EU total.