For the first time in the European car market, hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) outsold petrol-powered cars in monthly sales. The latest data from the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) shows that hybrid cars make up 32.8% of all new car registrations in September 2024.

Key highlights:

• Hybrid cars made up 32.8% of new EU car sales in September 2024, surpassing petrol cars at 29.8%.
• New car registrations in the EU declined by 6.1% compared to the previous year.
• Battery-electric vehicle (BEV) sales increased by 9.8% in September.
• Petrol car sales dropped by 17.9%, with diesel cars accounting for only 10.4% of the market sales.
• Consumer preferences are shifting toward hybrid cars, viewing them as more sustainable and cost-effective.

In September 2024 hybrid vehicles became the top choice in the EU automotive market, showing a shift in consumer preferences. According to the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA), hybrid vehicles now account for 32.8% of new registrations, while petrol cars have dropped to 29.8% in September. This rise in sales reflects the growing popularity of hybrids as a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective option among many European customers.

Despite this increase in hybrid sales, the overall number of new car registrations in the EU fell by 6.1% in September 2024. France (-11.1%), Italy (-10.7%), and Germany (-7%) were among the major markets that saw significant drops. Petrol car sales also fell by 17.9%, with the biggest declines in France and Italy, showing a shift toward more eco-friendly alternatives. Diesel cars, which once dominated the market, now represent only 10.4% of total sales.

Meanwhile, battery-electric vehicle (BEV) sales grew by 9.8% in September 2024. But, sales of BEV volumes have decreased by 5.8% over the year, which may be due to changes in green incentive policies and competition from other manufacturers. Plug-in hybrids saw an even larger drop of 22.3% in the same month.

As the demand for hybrid vehicles continues to grow, meeting Europe’s sustainability goals will require continuous support and proper infrastructure. The future of the automotive industry in Europe looks promising, but it will need to adapt to these changing preferences of consumers and challenges.