EU new car registrations dip 1.2% in April

New car registrations across the European Union declined by 1.2% in the first four months of 2025 compared to the same period last year, reflecting continued headwinds in the global economic climate. However, a modest rebound was observed in April itself, with registrations rising 1.3% year-on-year, signalling early signs of market stabilisation, according to the latest data from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA).

Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) continued their upward trajectory, growing 26.4% year-to-date to reach 558,262 units and securing a 15.3% share of the EU car market – up from 12% in April 2024. Despite this progress, BEVs remain below the ambitious market expectations set for the year.

Germany led the electric charge, recording a sharp 42.8% increase in BEV registrations, followed by Belgium (+31.3%) and the Netherlands (+6.4%). France stood out as the only major market to see a decline, falling 4.4% in BEV sales despite overall growth in April.

Hybrid-electric vehicles (HEVs) further solidified their position as the most popular powertrain, with sales up 20.8% year-to-date. With 1,285,486 units registered, HEVs captured a commanding 35.3% market share. Growth was particularly strong in France (+44.9%), Spain (+35.8%), Italy (+15%), and Germany (+11%).

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) also saw an uptick, with registrations increasing by 7.8% to 287,850 units. Their market share climbed to 7.9%, boosted by surges in Germany (+46.6%) and Spain (+42.8%).

Conversely, the decline of internal combustion engines accelerated. Petrol car registrations fell by 20.6% to 1,041,176 units, representing just 28.6% of the market – down from 35.6% a year ago. Diesel’s retreat was even sharper, plummeting 26.4% to a 9.6% market share. All major EU markets posted double-digit declines, with France leading the downturn in petrol registrations (-35.2%).

On a year-on-year basis, April 2025 saw a dramatic contrast in trends: BEV sales jumped 34.1%, HEVs rose 20.8%, and PHEVs climbed 31.2%. Meanwhile, petrol and diesel vehicles fell by 20.6% and 24.4%, respectively.

While the EU auto market remains under pressure, April’s figures point to growing consumer appetite for electrified vehicles and a steady, albeit gradual, transition away from traditional fuel types. The data underscores the region’s shifting automotive landscape as it continues toward electrification despite broader economic uncertainty.