European new car sales rise in September

New car sales in the European Union grew by 9.3% in September, with 971,048 units sold, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA). This increase brought the total for the first nine months of the year to 8.5 million vehicles, representing a 5.7% rise compared to the same period in 2025.

The automotive market demonstrated resilience despite a challenging macroeconomic environment characterized by rising energy costs and geopolitical instability. The growth was largely driven by a shift toward greener alternatives. Electric vehicle sales surged by 48.5% during the nine-month period, securing a 22.7% market share. Meanwhile, hybrid (non-rechargeable) vehicle sales increased by 10.7%, now accounting for 36.3% of the market. Conversely, the market share for gasoline-only vehicles fell to 21.2%, down from 27.7% a year ago.

The data confirms a sustained trend in the electrification of the European transport sector. As manufacturers continue to navigate economic pressures, the transition from internal combustion engines to electric and hybrid models remains the primary growth driver for the regional automotive industry.