The European automotive market welcomed its third consecutive month of growth in September, with sales surging primarily driven by demand for more affordable electric vehicle models.
According to data released by the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) on Tuesday, new car registrations in Europe increased by 11% year-on-year in September, reaching 1.24 million units. This growth was fueled by strong performances in sales of fully electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles, both of which saw a combined increase of one-third, with deliveries of plug-in hybrid models skyrocketing by 62%.
Among major automakers, Renault Group and Stellantis performed well, while BYD's sales surged by 398%, with its market share rising from 0.4% in the same period last year to 2%. In stark contrast, Tesla's sales declined by 10%, with its market share squeezed to 3.2%.
Despite the impressive September data, this growth momentum may be difficult to sustain. The European automotive industry still faces multiple challenges, including a slowdown in demand for high-end electric vehicles, uncertainties surrounding the 2035 ban on fuel vehicle sales, and increasingly tense trade relations, all of which cast a shadow over the market's future prospects.
<h2>Acceleration of Electrification Transformation, Affordable Models as Growth Engine</h2>
The core driving force behind the growth of the European car market in September came from the accelerated electrification transformation, particularly the popularity of affordable models. During the month, sales of fully electric vehicles (EVs) grew by 22%, while sales of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) saw a significant increase of 62%. Together, these two types of vehicles accounted for nearly one-third of new car registrations in the region.
Strong demand for more affordable models, such as the Skoda Elroq crossover from the Volkswagen Group and the Renault Group's R5 compact car, was a key factor driving sales growth.
In the five major markets of Europe, new car deliveries all saw an increase. Notably, the UK and Germany experienced particularly significant growth, reaching 14% and 13%, respectively.
<h2>Some Happy, Some Sad: Divergent Performances of BYD and Tesla</h2>
While the overall market is improving, the performance of major automotive brands shows significant divergence. BYD emerged as the biggest winner, with its September sales soaring by 398%, and its market share jumping from 0.4% a year ago to 2%.
Major automotive groups in Europe also performed robustly. Renault Group's sales increased by 15.2%, Stellantis by 11.5%, and Volkswagen Group by 9.7%. BMW Group and Mercedes-Benz saw relatively modest growth, at 4.2% and 0.5%, respectively.
However, Tesla's downward trend continues. According to data, the brand's sales fell by 10%, with its market share shrinking from 4.0% in the same period last year to 3.2%.
<h2>Uncertain Outlook for Market Recovery, Multiple Challenges Loom Over the Industry</h2>
Despite the encouraging sales figures in September, European automakers still face a series of severe challenges that make the long-term recovery outlook for the market highly uncertain.
Firstly, the pace of electric vehicle adoption, especially in the high-end segment, has not met expectations. Volkswagen this month reduced production at a factory in Germany due to weakened demand for its electric model, the Audi Q4 e-tron. Stellantis also suspended production at some of its factories in Europe this month
Secondly, the uncertainty at the policy level is suppressing the popularity of electric vehicles. The European Union plans to eliminate the sale of new internal combustion engine vehicles by 2035, but this plan is facing challenges. German Chancellor Merz is pushing to relax the measure, while France has also stated this month that the EU must maintain a certain degree of &#34;flexibility.&#34;
Finally, geopolitical risks and trade frictions are also putting pressure on the industry. According to analysis, the European automotive industry is struggling to cope with risks such as the tariff policies of former U.S. President Trump. These external factors could escalate at any time, thereby affecting supply chain stability and market confidence

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Driven by the demand for affordable electric vehicles, new car registrations in Europe increased by 11% year-on-year in September, marking the third consecutive month of growth. The combined sales of fully electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles grew by one-third. BYD's sales surged by 398%, with its market share rising from 0.4% in the same period last year to 2%, while Tesla's sales fell by 10%, and its market share was squeezed to 3.2%

- In September, the European automotive market experienced its third consecutive month of growth, with new car registrations rising by 11% year-on-year to 1.24 million units, driven by demand for affordable electric vehicles.  
- Notable performers included BYD, which saw a 398% increase in sales, while Tesla's sales declined by 10%, reducing its market share to 3.2%.  
- Despite the positive sales figures, challenges such as slowing demand for high-end electric vehicles, uncertainty surrounding the 2035 ban on combustion engine sales, and geopolitical tensions cast doubt on the market's future recovery.

Europe's September car sales soar: BYD sales surge by 398%, Tesla sales decline by 10%