The European automotive market, recovering after three years of crisis linked to Covid, shortages of components and logistical difficulties, is gradually recovering. July marks the twelfth consecutive month of sales growth. In the first seven months of the year, car sales in the European Union increased by 17.6% compared to the same period last year, totaling 6.3 million units. But, despite signs of recovery, volumes are still 22% lower than in 2019.
Most markets recorded double-digit increases during this seven-month period, including the four largest: Spain ( 21.9%), Italy ( 20.9%), France ( 15.8%) and Germany ( 13.6%).
For sales in July alone, the market share of battery electric cars reached 13.6% (vs. 9.8% in the same month a year earlier). Non-plug-in hybrid cars remained the second choice of buyers, behind thermals, with more than a quarter of the market. Plug-in hybrids seem to be long behind, with a stable market share of 7.9% in July.
Thermal engines, gasoline and diesel, are resisting: they accounted for half of new car sales. Diesel continues to decline (-9.1% in July): its market share fell to 14.1% from 17.9% in July last year. And this despite growth in Germany ( 2.7%) and the Central and Eastern European markets, particularly in Slovakia ( 36.1%) and Romania ( 19.8%).
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Over seven months, Tesla is the brand with the most spectacular growth in Europe: 184.6 % with 152,270 sales compared to only 53,500 over seven months in 2022. Its Berlin factory, which entered into service in April 2022, has borne fruit . Within the Stellantis group, whose sales increased by 4.6% comparing the first seven months of 2023 to those of 2022, the Fiat and Citroën brands are down 3.2%. The Renault group meanwhile gains 23.1% compared to 2022. Volkswagen also sees its sales climb by 23.4% to 1.65 million vehicles.