European sales of new cars rose by 13.9% in 2023, driven by hybrid and electric cars, but also by gasoline models, the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) announced on Thursday.
The French, Italian and Spanish markets in particular recorded double-digit increases compared to 2022. Germany, the continent’s largest market, however, stopped in December (-23% in a year) with the sudden end of the bonuses on the purchase of electric cars.
Overall, after three very difficult years, the end of the shortage of electronic parts has allowed the automobile industry to resume deliveries. But the market remained sluggish, held back by inflation, especially toward the end of the year.
Hybrid cars mainly benefited from the market recovery, with more than 2.7 million units sold (+29.5 in one year) and a market share of 25.8%.
Electric cars also continued their conquest (+37% in one year) and reached a market share of 14.6%, surpassing diesel for the first time in a year (13.6%), which continues to fall.
14.6% market share for electricity
Battery-powered cars accounted for only 9.1% of sales in 2021 and 1.9% in 2019.
Although the sale of cars with thermal engines will be prohibited in Europe in 2035, all manufacturers have increased their offer of hybrid and electric cars.
But gasoline cars were also able to benefit from the market recovery (+10.6% in one year), especially in Italy and Germany. They still represent 35.3% of European sales, with 3.7 million units.
The rebound in the European market was driven by its leader, the Volkswagen group, with 2.8 million cars sold (+18% in one year), and by the Renault group (number three in sales with 1.2 million units, +16.9%).
European number two Stellantis remained closer to its 2022 figures, with 1.9 million cars sold (+2.9%), and declines for its Fiat and Citroën brands in particular.
Source: BFM TV
