EU new car registrations up 18% in first half

Brussels – The EU new car market saw a strong rise in demand in the month of June, posting a 17.8% year-on-year increase to 1 million registered units.

The growth was primarily due to the region’s rebound from a low comparison base last year, driven by vehicle component shortages, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA).

Except for Hungary, which posted a 1.4% decline during the month, all the EU markets gained during June, said ACEA 19 July.

These included the top largest markets, led by Germany at 24.8%, Spain at 13.3%, France at 11.5% and Italy at 9.1%.

During the first half of the year, new EU car registrations increased by 17.9%, reaching 5.4 million units.

The improvements, said ACEA, pointed to the European automotive industry’s 'recovery from supply disruptions caused by the pandemic'.

Despite the gains, cumulative volumes are 21% lower compared to the pre-Covid levels of 2019.

Most of the markets grew significantly in the first six months, including the four largest: Spain at 24.0%, Italy at 22.8%, France at 15.3%, and Germany at 12.8%.

In June, the battery-electric car market share surged from 10.7% to 15.1%, overtaking diesel share for the first time.

Hybrid-electric cars remained the second-most popular choice among new car buyers, representing 24.3% of the market.

Petrol cars retained the largest share, accounting for 36.3% of the market, according to ACEA data.