New car sales in Europe rose year-on-year in November for a fifth consecutive month, supported by growing demand for electric vehicles in key markets such as Germany, Italy, and Spain, data from the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) showed today.
Battery electric vehicle registrations, a key measure of market uptake, accounted for 21% of sales in the European Union, 26% in the United Kingdom, and nearly 98% in Norway. Analysts said that while electric vehicles continue to gain traction, Europe’s car industry faces ongoing challenges, including rising competition from Chinese manufacturers, US import tariffs, and difficulties in profitably meeting domestic regulations for electric vehicle adoption.
Last week, the European Commission unveiled plans to abandon a de facto 2035 ban on combustion engine vehicles after pressure from the region’s auto sector, marking the bloc’s largest retreat from its green policies in recent years. Industry experts, however, said electric vehicles remain central to the future of mobility.
Overall, combined sales across the European Union, Britain, and the European Free Trade Association rose 2.4% to 1.1 million cars in November. Among major manufacturers, Volkswagen and Renault saw registrations rise by 4.1% and 3%, respectively, while Stellantis reported a 2.7% decline following three months of growth.
Tesla’s registrations fell 11.8% in November, although strong sales in Norway partially offset declines in other markets. By contrast, Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD saw registrations surge 221.8%, with market shares of 2.1% for Tesla and 2% for BYD for the month.
In the European Union alone, total car sales rose 2.1% to nearly 900,000 vehicles. Registrations of battery electric, hybrid electric, and plug-in hybrid vehicles increased 44.1%, 38.4%, and 4.2%, respectively. Together, these vehicles accounted for 65.6% of EU registrations, up from 56% in August 2024.
Despite the growth in electric vehicles, ACEA highlighted that overall sales volumes remain below pre-pandemic levels. “Despite the recent positive momentum, overall volumes remain well below pre-pandemic levels,” the association said in a statement.
Industry analysts said the strong performance of electric vehicles reflects both government incentives and shifting consumer preferences, particularly among higher-income households in major European markets. You may be choosing to sell your car to upgrade to the latest electric or hybrid models. Automakers are increasingly investing in electric and hybrid models to meet regulatory requirements while competing with international rivals.
The trends in November underline the continuing transition of Europe’s automotive sector toward electrification, even as manufacturers navigate regulatory adjustments, supply chain pressures, and global competition.
