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 Union’s Commissioner for Industrial Strategy urged European countries to establish joint reserves of rare earth materials to reduce dependence on China and protect against supply disruptions.
Spain’s Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares said on Monday he will ask the EU Council to suspend the bloc’s agreement with Israel and back an arms embargo in response to human rights violations in Gaza.
Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi says Tehran will continue to defend itself unless Israeli strikes stop, following high-level talks in Geneva with the foreign ministers of the UK, France, Germany, and the European Union’s top diplomat.
Several EU Member States have activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) to assist the departure of citizens due to the airspace closures in the Middle East. Slovakia, Lithuania, Greece, Poland and Portugal have requested UCPM support to assist the departure of their nationals.
In 19 EU countries, the share of renewable energy sources in net electricity generation decreased in the first quarter of 2025 compared with the first quarter of 2024. The largest drops were recorded in Greece (-12.4%), Lithuania (-12.0%) and Slovakia (-10.6%).
Oil prices dropped 1% on Monday after hitting five-month highs, as markets assessed the impact of U.S. strikes on Iran and potential risks to oil transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
An Azerbaijani delegation attended the opening ceremony of the 30th Shanghai Television Festival, one of Asia’s most prestigious media events, held in China’s Shanghai city on June 23.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met King Charles at Windsor Castle on Monday during a short visit to the UK aimed at strengthening defense ties and increasing pressure on Russia.
The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has warned that the ongoing conflict involving the U.S., Iran, and Israel could dismantle the global nuclear non-proliferation regime, calling for an urgent return to diplomacy and inspections.
Following U.S. military strikes on Iran, at least two supertankers reversed course near the Strait of Hormuz, reflecting heightened fears of disruption in one of the world’s most vital oil shipping lanes.
Iranian missiles struck multiple locations across Israel and neighbouring regions early Friday morning, including a Microsoft office complex, according to emergency responders and local media reports.
A high-speed tram derailment in central Gothenburg, Sweden, has left at least eight people injured late on Thursday (19 June), after the vehicle slammed into a snack bar on Avenyn Avenue.
China has unveiled a mosquito-sized bionic drone designed for covert military operations and battlefield reconnaissance, marking a major advance in micro-robotics and stealth technology as part of the country’s growing focus on next-generation warfare capabilities.
The 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit was held June 15–17 in Kananaskis, Alberta, under Canada’s presidency. Prime Minister Mark Carney framed the meeting around priorities of protecting communities, energy and climate security, the digital transition, and future partnerships.
The USS Nimitz is heading to the Middle East amid tensions between Israel and Iran. The U.S. aircraft carrier has a decades-long history in the region, from the 1979 hostage crisis to modern deployments, often serving as a key asset during periods of rising friction with Iran.
Oil prices dropped 1% on Monday after hitting five-month highs, as markets assessed the impact of U.S. strikes on Iran and potential risks to oil transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met King Charles at Windsor Castle on Monday during a short visit to the UK aimed at strengthening defense ties and increasing pressure on Russia.
The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has warned that the ongoing conflict involving the U.S., Iran, and Israel could dismantle the global nuclear non-proliferation regime, calling for an urgent return to diplomacy and inspections.
Following U.S. military strikes on Iran, at least two supertankers reversed course near the Strait of Hormuz, reflecting heightened fears of disruption in one of the world’s most vital oil shipping lanes.
Russian President Vladimir Putin criticized the recent U.S. airstrikes on Iran's nuclear facilities as unjustified and warned they are driving the world toward heightened instability. He met with Iran’s foreign minister in Moscow, offering support while calling for efforts to ease tensions.
Oil prices dropped 1% on Monday after hitting five-month highs, as markets assessed the impact of U.S. strikes on Iran and potential risks to oil transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
An Azerbaijani delegation attended the opening ceremony of the 30th Shanghai Television Festival, one of Asia’s most prestigious media events, held in China’s Shanghai city on June 23.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met King Charles at Windsor Castle on Monday during a short visit to the UK aimed at strengthening defense ties and increasing pressure on Russia.
The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has warned that the ongoing conflict involving the U.S., Iran, and Israel could dismantle the global nuclear non-proliferation regime, calling for an urgent return to diplomacy and inspections.
Following U.S. military strikes on Iran, at least two supertankers reversed course near the Strait of Hormuz, reflecting heightened fears of disruption in one of the world’s most vital oil shipping lanes.
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