The European car market consolidates its recovery in 2026

ROME – The European car market consolidates the recovery. In the first eight months of 2026, new registrations in the European Union reached 7.55 million units, an increase of 5.3% compared to the same period in 2025. In the month of August alone, growth was 4.5%, with 708,211 cars registered. This is what emerges from data from Acea, the European manufacturers' association.

Demand is increasing despite rising energy prices and persistent geopolitical tensions. Electrified engines are driving the market above all. Battery-powered cars totaled 1.64 million registrations, marking a jump of 44.9% and gaining a share of 21.7%, compared to 15.8% a year earlier. In August the increase reached 62.7%.

Non-rechargeable hybrids remain the preferred solution for European motorists: with 2.76 million units, up 11.1%, they represent 36.6% of the market. Plug-in hybrids also advanced, rising by 19.6% to 758,082 registrations and a 10% share.

However, the downsizing of traditional engines continues. Petrol and diesel have both lost 18.6% since the beginning of the year. Petrol drops to 21.7% of the market, the same share as pure electric, while diesel stops at 7.3%. Together they are now worth 29%, compared to the 37.5% recorded twelve months earlier.

Among the main markets, Italy grew by 8.5%, reaching 1.13 million cars. Electric cars increase by 69.3%, plug-ins by 77.6% and hybrids by 20.5%. In August the Italian market instead recorded a more modest +3.2%.