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.
China has urged the EU to join forces in resisting U.S. protectionism and safeguarding global trade, as Vice Premier He Lifeng met EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic in Beijing. While both sides seek stronger ties, the EU stresses the need to rebalance trade relations amid ongoing market access concerns.
The European Commission has called for enhanced preparedness across Europe, urging improved stockpiling of critical supplies and encouraging citizens to maintain emergency provisions for at least 72 hours.
The European Union’s enlargement process continues to move forward, but without mention of Georgia. In a speech at the European Policy Center in Brussels on March 25, European Council President Antonio Costa highlighted the EU’s commitment to integrating Ukraine, Moldova, and the Western Balkans.
A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar’s Sagaing region, followed by a 6.4-magnitude tremor, killing more than 1,644 people and leaving 2,300 injured. The quake caused building collapses in Myanmar and Thailand, prompting emergency declarations and ongoing rescue efforts.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres responds to discussions on a potential temporary administration in Ukraine, reaffirming the presence of a legitimate government and clarifying the UN’s role in mediation efforts.
Suicide bomber targets a political protest rally in Balochistan, Pakistan. No civilian casualties reported; the attacker was killed.
The Norwegian Government has decided to provide a total of NOK 3 billion in humanitarian support to Ukraine and to the refugee response in Ukraine’s neighbouring countries in 2025.
Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) pilots, monitoring a Chinese navy warship as it navigated Australian waters, were alerted to a live-fire exercise via a civilian radio broadcast, defense officials revealed on Tuesday.
A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar’s Sagaing region, followed by a 6.4-magnitude tremor, killing more than 1,644 people and leaving 2,300 injured. The quake caused building collapses in Myanmar and Thailand, prompting emergency declarations and ongoing rescue efforts.
As the world shifts toward clean energy at an ever-accelerating pace, large economies are scrambling to secure reliable supply chains for rare earth minerals. These minerals, once seen as mere industrial components, have become a political tool in the global power struggle
Russian forces carried out a drone attack on Ukraine’s second-largest city, Kharkiv, late Wednesday, injuring at least twenty one people and causing structural damage, according to Ukrainian officials.
A devastating overnight drone attack on Kyiv, attributed to Russian forces, resulted in the deaths of three people, including a five-year-old child, and left ten others injured.
A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar’s Sagaing region, followed by a 6.4-magnitude tremor, killing more than 1,644 people and leaving 2,300 injured. The quake caused building collapses in Myanmar and Thailand, prompting emergency declarations and ongoing rescue efforts.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres responds to discussions on a potential temporary administration in Ukraine, reaffirming the presence of a legitimate government and clarifying the UN’s role in mediation efforts.
Suicide bomber targets a political protest rally in Balochistan, Pakistan. No civilian casualties reported; the attacker was killed.
The Norwegian Government has decided to provide a total of NOK 3 billion in humanitarian support to Ukraine and to the refugee response in Ukraine’s neighbouring countries in 2025.
A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar’s Sagaing region, followed by a 6.4-magnitude tremor, killing more than 1,644 people and leaving 2,300 injured. The quake caused building collapses in Myanmar and Thailand, prompting emergency declarations and ongoing rescue efforts.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres responds to discussions on a potential temporary administration in Ukraine, reaffirming the presence of a legitimate government and clarifying the UN’s role in mediation efforts.
Suicide bomber targets a political protest rally in Balochistan, Pakistan. No civilian casualties reported; the attacker was killed.
The Norwegian Government has decided to provide a total of NOK 3 billion in humanitarian support to Ukraine and to the refugee response in Ukraine’s neighbouring countries in 2025.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment