Europe’s car market strengthened in June 2026 as growing demand for electrified vehicles helped offset another sharp decline in petrol and diesel models. Across the European Union, the UK and EFTA countries, new-car registrations rose <b>13.1% year on year to more than 1.4 million vehicles</b>.
The figures show how quickly consumer preferences are changing, with battery-electric, plug-in hybrid and conventional hybrid cars taking an increasingly important share of new registrations.
<h3>Electrified Cars Lead Growth</h3>
Battery-electric registrations increased by 51% in June, while plug-in hybrids rose 22.7% and hybrids gained 17.1%. Together, electrified models accounted for almost <b>70% of all new vehicles registered</b> during the month.
At the same time, traditional combustion-engine cars continued to lose ground. Petrol registrations fell 12.2%, while diesel registrations dropped 16.9%.
The shift suggests that electrified vehicles are becoming a central part of Europe’s car market rather than a relatively small alternative segment.
<h3>Chinese Brands Gain Ground</h3>
Chinese manufacturers are also expanding rapidly across Europe.
BYD, Chery and Leapmotor recorded particularly strong year-on-year growth, selling between almost three and six times more vehicles than in the same period a year earlier.
SAIC registrations increased by more than 50%, while Geely also posted growth of over 11%.
<b>The figures highlight increasingly intense competition as European buyers gain access to a wider selection of electric and hybrid models from Chinese manufacturers.</b>
<h3>European Carmakers Grow Too</h3>
Established European manufacturers also benefited from the stronger June market.
Registrations at Renault, Stellantis and Volkswagen increased by between 3.6% and 7.3%.
However, the broader trend is clear: much of the market’s momentum is coming from electrified vehicles, while petrol and diesel continue to decline.
<b>As competition intensifies, pricing, charging infrastructure and affordable electric models are likely to become increasingly important for both European and Chinese manufacturers.</b>
