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.
The European Commission voiced strong regret over the United States’ decision to raise tariffs on imported steel to 50%, warning the move adds uncertainty to the global economy.
A new survey shows that trust in the European Union is at its highest level since 2007, with more than half of Europeans (52%) saying they trust the EU.
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The European Union has proposed setting up a special hub to strengthen security and surveillance in the Black Sea, a region seen as increasingly at risk due to ongoing Russian aggression.
The EU and UAE have commenced talks on a bilateral free trade agreement, aiming to enhance trade in goods, services, and strategic sectors, marking a significant milestone in EU-Gulf relations.
Iran said on Saturday that it has officially received a new nuclear deal proposal from U.S. President Donald Trump, delivered by Oman during a diplomatic visit to Tehran.
A confidential IAEA report reveals Iran conducted secret nuclear activities using undeclared material at several sites, raising serious non-compliance concerns.
Hamas said on Saturday it had officially responded to a ceasefire plan put forward by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, who represents President Donald Trump in Middle East diplomacy. The group said its reply includes a key demand: a complete end to the war.
The US Supreme Court has ruled that the Trump administration can temporarily end legal protections for more than 500000 migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, exposing them to possible deportation.
A massive glacial landslide in southern Switzerland has buried the village of Blatten, formed a dangerous lake by blocking the River Lonza, and raised fears of flooding downstream as emergency crews monitor the situation.
On May 28, the inauguration ceremony of Lachin International Airport was held.
A car drove into crowds of Liverpool fans celebrating the club’s Premier League title in the city centre on Monday evening, injuring dozens including 4 children. A 53-year-old man believed to be the driver was arrested at the scene.
EU ministers have greenlit a massive €150 billion defense investment fund—dubbed the Security Action for Europe (SAFE)—as the bloc ramps up its military readiness in response to Russia’s aggression and growing uncertainty over U.S. security guarantees.
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An international academic conference titled "Islamophobia: Exposing Prejudice and Destroying Stigma" has officially opened in the capital of Azerbaijan, bringing together global scholars, experts, and policymakers to address the rise and consequences of anti-Muslim discrimination.
A confidential IAEA report reveals Iran conducted secret nuclear activities using undeclared material at several sites, raising serious non-compliance concerns.
The US Supreme Court has ruled that the Trump administration can temporarily end legal protections for more than 500000 migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, exposing them to possible deportation.
A massive glacial landslide in southern Switzerland has buried the village of Blatten, formed a dangerous lake by blocking the River Lonza, and raised fears of flooding downstream as emergency crews monitor the situation.
China has strongly criticised French President Emmanuel Macron's remarks linking Ukraine and Taiwan, calling them a “double standard” and insisting the two issues are not comparable.
Magnus Carlsen suffered a shock defeat to China’s Wei Yi at Norway Chess 2025, just two days after beating world champion D Gukesh.
Iran said on Saturday that it has officially received a new nuclear deal proposal from U.S. President Donald Trump, delivered by Oman during a diplomatic visit to Tehran.
A confidential IAEA report reveals Iran conducted secret nuclear activities using undeclared material at several sites, raising serious non-compliance concerns.
Hamas said on Saturday it had officially responded to a ceasefire plan put forward by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, who represents President Donald Trump in Middle East diplomacy. The group said its reply includes a key demand: a complete end to the war.
The US Supreme Court has ruled that the Trump administration can temporarily end legal protections for more than 500000 migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, exposing them to possible deportation.
A massive glacial landslide in southern Switzerland has buried the village of Blatten, formed a dangerous lake by blocking the River Lonza, and raised fears of flooding downstream as emergency crews monitor the situation.
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