In Europe, the number of new car registrations increased slightly by 2024 percent in 0,8, reaching 10,6 million vehicles, while vehicles with internal combustion engines maintained their dominance, the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA) announced.
Spain continued its upward trend in the number of new vehicle registrations, with a growth rate of 7,1 percent in 2024.
In contrast, three major markets in the European Union recorded a decline in new vehicle registrations: France (-3,2 percent), Germany (-1 percent) and Italy, which recorded a slight decline of 0,5 percent.
Battery electric cars remained the third choice for buyers in the EU, EFTA countries and the UK in 2024, with a market share of 15,4 percent, overtaking diesel-powered vehicles, which had a share of 10,4 percent.
Cars with gasoline engines retained their primacy, with a total share of 33,3 percent, while hybrid-electric vehicles took second place with a market share of 31,4 percent.
In December, the number of new electric vehicle registrations in the EU fell by 10,2 percent, reaching just 144.367. This decline was primarily driven by significant decreases in registrations of such vehicles in Germany (-38,6 percent) and France (-20,7 percent), which led to a decrease in the market share of electric vehicles to 13,6 percent compared to 2023.
There was an increase in the number of registrations of plug-in hybrid vehicles, but this number is still 7,3 percent lower than in 2023. Hybrid-electric vehicles recorded a 33,1 percent increase in registrations in December, which contributed to their strong positioning above diesel cars during 2024.
In December, vehicles with gasoline and diesel engines recorded a double-digit decline in market share in most European markets, but they still led in the number of new vehicle registrations.
ACEA recalls that the automotive industry in the EU employs 13,2 million people, which accounts for 10,3% of all jobs in the manufacturing sector. The automotive industry contributes more than 7,5% to the Union's total GDP and achieves a trade surplus of 106,7 billion euros.
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