New car sales across Europe rose for a fifth consecutive month in November, supported by strong growth in electric vehicle (EV) registrations, according to data released by the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA). The steady rise signals improving momentum for the region’s auto market, even as broader structural challenges persist.
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Sales in the European Union, Britain and the European Free Trade Association increased 2.4% year-on-year to 1.1 million vehicles during the month. Battery electric vehicles continued to gain ground, accounting for a 21% market share in the EU, 26% in the UK and an overwhelming 98% in Norway, reflecting differing national policy incentives and consumer adoption patterns.
New car sales in Europe rose year-on-year in November for a fifth consecutive month, helped by an increase in EV registrations in markets including Germany, Italy and Spain, data showed https://t.co/MhNmzn0LZO pic.twitter.com/qvHhkAdK8w
— Reuters (@Reuters) December 23, 2025
Major automakers posted mixed results. Registrations at Volkswagen rose 4.1% from a year earlier, while Renault saw a 3% increase. Stellantis, however, recorded a 2.7% decline after three months of growth, highlighting uneven performance across manufacturers. Tesla’s registrations fell 11.8%, with strong sales in Norway offsetting weaker demand elsewhere, while China’s BYD posted a sharp 221.8% surge, underscoring intensifying competition.
Within the EU alone, total car sales climbed 2.1% to nearly 900,000 vehicles. Registrations of battery electric, hybrid electric and plug-in hybrid cars jumped 44.1%, 38.4% and 4.2%, respectively. Together, these electrified models made up 65.6% of total registrations, up from 56% in August 2024, indicating a rapid shift in the market mix.
Despite the recent gains, the European car industry remains under pressure. Manufacturers face rising competition from Chinese brands, uncertainty over U.S. import tariffs and the cost of meeting domestic emissions regulations. Last week, the European Commission unveiled plans to abandon an effective 2035 ban on combustion engine cars, marking a significant retreat from earlier green policies after industry pushback.
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ACEA cautioned that while momentum has improved, overall sales volumes are still well below pre-pandemic levels. Analysts, however, continue to view EVs as central to the sector’s long-term future.