Sales of new cars in Europe rose by 13.9% in 2023, most of them hybrid and electric vehicles, but also gasoline models, the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) said, AFP reports.
In particular, the French, Italian and Spanish markets saw double-digit increases compared to 2022. However, Germany, the continent's largest market, met with a 23% year-on-year decline and the sudden end of bonuses for buying electric cars.
Overall, after three very difficult years, the end of the shortage of electronic parts has allowed the automotive industry to resume supply. But the market remained slowed by inflation, especially towards the end of the year.
Hybrid cars were the main beneficiaries of the market recovery, with more than 2.7 million units sold and a market share of 25.8%.
Electric car sales also had a significant 37% year-on-year increase and reached a market share of 14.6%, overtaking diesel cars (13.6%) for the first time in a full year.
In 2021, battery-powered cars account for just 9.1% of sales, and 1.9% in 2019.
Since the sale of internal combustion engine vehicles will be banned in Europe in 2035, all manufacturers have increased the supply of hybrid and electric vehicles.
But petrol-engined cars have also benefited from the market recovery (up 10.6% year-on-year), especially in Italy and Germany. They still account for 35.3% of European sales with 3.7 million units sold.
The recovery of the European market is due to its leader, the Volkswagen Group, with 2.8 million vehicles sold, and to the Renault Group (number three in sales with 1.2 million units).
The number two in Europe, Stellantis, remained closer to 2022 figures, with 1.9 million vehicles sold and a decline for the Fiat and Citroën brands in particular. / BGNES
