Italian car market: growth in August but data to be read with caution

ROME – In August the Italian car market recorded 69,411 registrations, with a growth of 3.15% compared to the same month of 2025. This is the ninth consecutive increase and the climate of confidence among dealers also seems to be improving, according to the Promotor Study Centre, even if the data is far from the pre-pandemic ones. The data, however, should be read with caution: August 2026 had one more working day. On the same day, the market would have fallen by 1.7%. From January to August, 1,129,596 cars were sold, equal to an increase of 8.5% compared to the same period of the previous year. According to Unrae, the association of foreign manufacturers, the market remains positive, but shows signs of slowing down after the push of the first part of the year. Anfia, which represents the supply chain, also calls for caution. President Roberto Vavassori underlines that the August data "does not leave you at peace". The Italian car market is still growing, but less than it seems. Demand remains fragile and competition, especially Chinese, is increasing. For sector associations, structural interventions are needed to renew the car fleet and support the energy transition.

Stellantis outperforms the market

Stellantis closed August with 18,854 registrations, including Leapmotor, up 6.2%, i.e. approximately double that of the overall market. The share rises to 27.2%, compared to 26.4% a year ago. In the first eight months the group sold 341,225 cars, an increase of 14%. The market share increased from 28.7% to 30.2%.

Growth is also supported by Leapmotor, but even excluding the Chinese brand the trend remains in line with the market: +3% in August, +6% in the first eight months. Fiat Pandina remains the best seller with 4,686 registrations and a share of 6.8%.

Four other Stellantis models appear in the top ten: Citroën C3, Jeep Avenger, Fiat Grande Panda and Peugeot 208. “Results that confirm the strength of our brands,” declared Antonella Bruno, managing director of Stellantis Italia.

Electric: growth, but without momentum

Pure electric cars grow by 34% compared to August 2025, but the share remains limited at 6.4%. According to Anfia, the absence of incentives, considered fundamental to accelerate electrification, weighs heavily. The plug-in hybrids performed better, reaching a share of 12.1% in August and 9.4% in the cumulative first eight months. The push comes above all from rental and private individuals.

Chinese competition is advancing