Milan, May 27 (LaPresse) – “From the beginning of the year to April 2026, new car registrations in the EU increased by 4.2%” compared with the same period of the previous year, “despite ongoing geopolitical factors that are heightening uncertainty and downside risks.” This was reported by Acea, the European association of major car manufacturers, adding that in April alone, with 972,314 cars registered, the increase was 5.1% compared with the same month in 2025, when 925,324 new vehicles were registered in the EU. Acea also stated that in the period up to April 2026, battery electric cars accounted for 19.7% of the EU market, up from 15.3% the previous year. Hybrid electric car registrations captured 38.2% of the market, remaining the preferred choice among consumers in the EU. In addition, the combined market share of petrol and diesel cars fell to 30.2%, down from 38.1%. “The market continued to benefit from strong consumer demand for a range of electrified technologies, supported by tax incentives and new and revised incentive programs in major European countries. Hybrid electric vehicles lead as the most popular powertrain choice among buyers, while the market share of battery electric cars reached 19.7%. Meanwhile, plug-in hybrids captured 9.6% of the market,” Acea said.
Cars: EU registrations up 4.2% in first four months, up 5.1% year-on-year in April
Milan, May 27 (LaPresse) – “From the beginning of the year to April 2026, new car registrations in the EU increased by 4.2%” compared with the same period of the previous year, “despite ongoing geopolitical factors that are heightening uncertainty and downside risks.” This was reported by Acea, the European association of major car manufacturers, adding that in April alone, with 972,314 cars registered, the increase was 5.1% compared with the same month in 2025, when 925,324 new vehicles were registered in the EU. Acea also stated that in the period up to April 2026, battery electric cars accounted for 19.7% of the EU market, up from 15.3% the previous year. Hybrid electric car registrations captured 38.2% of the market, remaining the preferred choice among consumers in the EU. In addition, the combined market share of petrol and diesel cars fell to 30.2%, down from 38.1%. “The market continued to benefit from strong consumer demand for a range of electrified technologies, supported by tax incentives and new and revised incentive programs in major European countries. Hybrid electric vehicles lead as the most popular powertrain choice among buyers, while the market share of battery electric cars reached 19.7%. Meanwhile, plug-in hybrids captured 9.6% of the market,” Acea said.
