Brussels – In 2024, Spain experienced the highest growth in car sales among major European Union markets, with a year-on-year increase of 7.1%. This stands in stark contrast to sales declines observed in France (3.2%), Germany (1%), and Italy (0.5%), as reported today by the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA).
According to ACEA, overall sales across the European Union saw a slight uptick, increasing by 0.8% to approximately 10.6 million units.
In December 2024, new car registrations in the EU rose by 5.1% compared to the previous year, with Spain again leading the way, posting an impressive 28.8% increase in sales during the final month of the year, as noted by the European automobile association.
Following Spain, France recorded a modest growth of 1.5%, while Germany and Italy saw declines of 7.1% and 4.9%, respectively.
Electric Vehicles
Battery electric vehicles, which are essential for decarbonizing the European car fleet, remained the third most popular choice in 2024, holding a market share of 13.6% for the year (15.9% in December). This marked a significant lead over diesel vehicles, which dropped to an 11.8% market share.
Traditional combustion and petrol engine vehicles continued to dominate with a market share of 33.3%, while hybrid electric vehicles solidified their second position with a 30.9% share.
However, battery electric car sales experienced a downturn in December 2024, falling to 10.2%. This decline was largely attributed to substantial decreases in Germany (38.6%) and France (20.7%), resulting in an overall market reduction of 5.9% for the year compared to 2023.
Plug-in hybrid vehicle registrations in the EU fell by 6.8% throughout 2024, though they saw a 4.9% increase in December, spurred by strong sales in France (44.9%) and Germany (6.8%). For the year, their market share remained steady at 8.3%.
In December, sales of electric hybrids surged by 33.1%, resulting in a market share of 33.6%, compared to 26.5% in the same month the previous year, allowing them to surpass petrol car registrations for the fourth consecutive month.
The comprehensive car sales data for 2024 was released shortly after the European Commission announced plans to initiate a “strategic dialogue” with the automotive industry next week. This effort aims to ensure the future of this crucial sector for European prosperity while aligning with climate and social objectives.
EUC President Ursula von der Leyen will personally head these discussions starting on January 30, alongside Transport Commissioner Apóstolos Tzitzikóstas, who has been tasked with developing an action plan for the industry in light of these talks.
The automotive sector, which accounts for around 7% of the EU’s GDP and provides 13 million jobs, is undergoing a significant transformation influenced by factors such as digitalization, decarbonization, heightened competition, and a shifting geopolitical landscape. The EU has also set a legal deadline to ban the sale of CO2-emitting vehicles by 2035, as highlighted by the executive body.
Recently, Ola Källenius, CEO of Mercedes-Benz and new ACEA president, urged the EU to conduct a “realistic review” of the electric vehicle market, noting that its growth has been around 13% rather than the anticipated 25% over the past five years.
He also cautioned against entering into a trade war with China regarding electric vehicles, referencing the recently implemented import duties of up to 35.3% on battery cars from the country that took effect last October. (January 21)
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