New EU car registrations rise 5.3% in first eight months

Brussels – New EU car registrations increased by 5.3% year-on-year in the first eight months of the year, against a backdrop of rising energy prices and persistent geopolitical uncertainty.

Over the eight months to end of August, new car registrations reached 7,546,397 units, up from 7,167,982 units reported the year before, according to latest data by European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA).

In August alone, new car registration grew 4.5% year-on-year to 708,221 million units, with demand strong for electrified vehicles, driven by market support measures and a broader model offering.

Over the first eight months, hybrid-electric vehicles ranked as the most popular powertrain choice amongst buyers, capturing 36.6% of the market, ACEA reported 24 Sept.

Battery-electric cars held a 21.7% share of the EU market, up from 15.8% a year earlier.

Combined market share of petrol and diesel cars fell to 29%, compared with 37.5% a year earlier.