Overall car registrations in Europe, the UK, and the European Free Trade Area (EFTA) fell by 2.1% in January, according to data from the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA). While fully electric vehicle (EV) sales surged by 37.3%, the sharp decline in sales of petrol and diesel mod
Tesla’s performance exemplified the downturn, with the U.S. electric carmaker’s sales in the region dropping 45.2% compared to January 2024. In contrast, Chinese competitor SAIC Motor, which owns the MG brand, recorded a 36.8% increase in sales.
ACEA data revealed that total car registrations in the EU, Britain, and EFTA hovered just below 1 million units in January—the lowest volume since August. In the EU alone, overall sales declined by 2.6%, even as battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) saw robust increases of 34% and 18.4%, respectively, although plug-in hybrid (PHEV) sales fell by 8.5%. Notably, electrified vehicles (BEVs, HEVs, and PHEVs) made up 57.2% of passenger car registrations in January, up from 47.4% the previous year.
Among major EU markets, Spain experienced a modest 5.3% increase in sales, whereas France, Italy, and Germany saw declines of 6.2%, 5.8%, and 2.8%, respectively. The UK also recorded a 2.5% drop.
The downturn in traditional combustion engine sales comes at a time when European carmakers are grappling with high production costs and intensified competition from Chinese manufacturers. Industry stakeholders are also bracing for potential U.S. tariffs on imported vehicles, as President Donald Trump has raised tariffs on aluminium and steel and threatened a 25% duty on autos, semiconductors, and other products.
In response to these challenges, the European Commission is set to present auto sector plans on March 5 following discussions with automakers, unions, and interest groups. While some manufacturers have increased the prices of petrol-powered vehicles in an attempt to steer consumers toward EVs, there are concerns that such measures could simply result in fewer overall car purchases. Meanwhile, electric transport advocates warn that any relaxation of CO2 emission targets could undermine long-term investments in EV infrastructure and compromise the bloc’s competitiveness.
As the market continues to adjust to rapid technological and regulatory changes, the coming months will be crucial for European automakers as they navigate shifting consumer preferences and mounting geopolitical pressures.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on 26 August that U.S. colleges would face serious challenges without Chinese students....
The Lithuanian parliament on Tuesday approved a new prime minister, marking a key step in the formation of the country’s ruling coalition....
According to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC), an earthquake struck 50 km north-northwest of Derbent, Russia, at 00:33 local tim...
Africa has unveiled a continental emergency preparedness and response plan to tackle cholera from September 2025 to February 2026....
The European Union is pushing for U.S. tariff cuts on European cars to take effect retroactively, as both sides released details of their July trade framework deal aimed at easing transatlantic trade tensions.
President Emeritus of the European Council Charles Michel has called for a more coherent, autonomous European Union policy on China and regional diplomacy, warning against over-reliance on the U.S. or Russia in shaping Europe’s global direction.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he had ruled out putting U.S. troops on the ground in Ukraine, but said the United States might provide air support as part of a deal to end Russia's war in the country.
An overnight Russian attack that rocked the central Ukrainian city of Kremenchuk and left hundreds of customers in the Poltava region without power shows that Russian President Vladimir Putin does not want peace, regional Ukrainian officials said.
A powerful eruption at Japan’s Shinmoedake volcano sent an ash plume more than 3,000 metres high on Sunday morning, prompting safety warnings from authorities.
According to the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ), a magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck the Oaxaca region of Mexico on Saturday.
The UK is gearing up for Exercise Pegasus 2025, its largest pandemic readiness test since COVID-19. Running from September to November, this full-scale simulation will challenge the country's response to a fast-moving respiratory outbreak.
Kuwait says oil prices will likely stay below $72 per barrel as OPEC monitors global supply trends and U.S. policy signals. The remarks come during market uncertainty fueled by new U.S. tariffs on India and possible sanctions on Russia.
Afghanistan’s interim administration on Tuesday unveiled a five-year “Development Strategy” aimed at creating jobs and promoting balanced development.
Libya’s Presidency Council chief Mohamed al-Menfi met on Tuesday in Tripoli with U.S. chargé d’affaires Jeremy Berndt to discuss ways to accelerate the country’s political process and lay the groundwork for national elections.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Monday that he had removed Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook from her position, citing allegations of mortgage fraud.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on 26 August that U.S. colleges would face serious challenges without Chinese students.
The Lithuanian parliament on Tuesday approved a new prime minister, marking a key step in the formation of the country’s ruling coalition.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment