Car sales in Europe took a hit, but there’s a silver lining – electric and hybrid cars are gaining traction. The European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) says these vehicles are the only ones seeing growth.
Tesla, however, is struggling. Its sales in Europe have dropped for the fourth month in a row. This dip is partly due to Elon Musk’s controversial comments and a lukewarm response to the new Model Y. The growing competition from other European and Chinese brands also hasn’t helped.
Electric car sales on the rise
According to the ACEA, overall car sales in Europe fell by 0.3%. But electric and hybrid cars saw significant growth. In April, battery-electric car sales jumped 27.8%. Plug-in hybrid sales also rose.
This growth is despite the challenges car makers face, including:
- Strong competition
- US import taxes
- A slowing global economy
In Europe, 59.2% of new car registrations were for electrified vehicles. That’s up from 47.7% last year.
Country-wise, Spain saw a 7.1% increase, Italy 2.7%, while France and Germany saw drops of 5.6% and 0.2% respectively. The UK saw a significant drop of 10.4%.
It’s clear – electric cars are gaining ground in Europe, and car makers are taking note. As the market continues to shift, it’ll be interesting to see how these trends play out.