Sales rise in Europe
Sales of new vehicles in the European Union, UK, Iceland, Norway and Switzerland increased by 2.3 per cent last year when compared to 2024.
Figures from Dataforce, which represents 98 per cent of the market, show registrations by Chinese brands jumped by up 99 per cent across the region to about 811,000 units over the same timescale.
Sales of electrified powertrains grew sharply in the first year of much stricter emissions targets. Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) rose by 30 per cent for the year.
Carmakers can average emissions over the 2025-27 period, with many opting to form EU-approved pools for 2025 with BEV-rich brands, such as Tesla and Volvo. It’s not clear how many will do so for this and next year.
Plug-in hybrids capped a turnaround. Their sales were up by 34 per cent for the year. Sales of full hybrids increased at a more modest pace, up by 9.6 per cent, reports Automotive News.
Volkswagen was Europe’s top brand of 2025. It was followed trailed by Toyota, Skoda, BMW and Renault. MG was the top-ranked Chinese brand in 16th and just behind Volvo. Other successes included Cupra in 17th and up 33 per cent, Mini with a 15 per cent climb and Alfa Romeo, up by 34 per cent.
