Europeans are buying fewer new cars: January data
26 February 09:49
In January 2026, the market for new passenger cars in the European Union showed negative dynamics. According to ACEA, sales fell by almost 4% year-on-year to 799,600 units. This was reported by Ukravtoprom with reference to statistics from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association, according to "Komersant Ukrainian".
Electrification is gaining momentum
Despite the overall market decline, the electric car segment continues to grow.
Market share in January 2026:
- Hybrids (HEV) — 38.6% of the market;
- Electric vehicles (BEV) — 19.3% (compared to 14.9% a year earlier);
- Plug-in hybrids (PHEV) — significant growth.
Thus, electrified cars already account for more than half of the European car market.
Detailed sales structure by engine type
As of January 2026, the following were registered in the EU:
- Hybrids (HEV) — 308,364 units (6%);
- Electric vehicles (BEV) — 154,230 units (24%);
- Plug-in hybrids (PHEV) — 78,741 units (29%);
- Gasoline cars — 175,989 units (-28%);
- Diesel cars — 64,550 units (-22%);
- Other types — 17,750 units (-36%).
Traditional cars are losing ground
The combined share of gasoline and diesel cars fell to 30.1% from 39.5% in January 2025. This indicates an accelerated transformation of the European car market towards electrification.
Analysts note that consumers are increasingly choosing hybrid models as a compromise between environmental friendliness and practicality, especially against the backdrop of high energy prices and government incentives.
Why the market declined
The main reasons for the decline in overall sales may be:
- economic uncertainty in EU countries;
- a decline in consumer activity;
- revision of government support programs;
- market saturation after strong sales in 2024–2025.
At the same time, the rapid growth of electric vehicles demonstrates a long-term change in the structure of demand.
