The European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) announced that the passenger car market in the European Union recorded a 5.7% growth since the beginning of the current year, despite challenges related to rising energy prices and the repercussions of geopolitical tensions.
The association stated in a statement on its official website that new car sales in the EU rose by 5.7% during the first nine months of 2026, reaching a total of 8,517,059 registered vehicles, driven by strong performance in September with growth in hybrid and electric cars.
Rising demand for electric cars
It clarified that demand for electric cars remained strong, especially in major European markets, supported by purchase incentives and a wider range of models. Association data showed that hybrid cars remained the preferred choice for buyers, while electric and plug-in hybrid cars accounted for 22.7% and 10.1% of the EU market, respectively.
By September 2026, the share of battery electric cars reached 22.7% of the EU market, up from 16.1% the previous year. The association noted that hybrid car registrations accounted for 36.3% of the market, confirming their status as the preferred option for European consumers.
Decline in petrol and diesel share
At the same time, the combined market share of petrol and diesel cars fell to 28.2%, down from 36.9% the previous year. Markets such as Spain and Italy led the rise with strong growth rates, while traditional major markets like Germany and France experienced relative slowdown or stability.
The International Energy Agency revealed in late July that electric car sales rose by 35% during the second quarter of the current year, recording record numbers in 50 countries, against the backdrop of a sharp rise in fuel prices due to the repercussions of the war in the Middle East.
Source: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)
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