In 2024, the European automobile market will grow by 0,8%reaching a total of 10.6 million registrations. Modest growth which masks significant transformations in consumer preferences and in the market shares of different engines.
The distribution of sales shows a significant evolution in purchasing behavior:
- THE hybrid vehicles saw their market share increase to 30,9%becoming almost as popular as gasoline cars (33,3%).
- THE electric vehicles represented 13,7% sales, marking a decline compared to the previous year.
- THE diesel enginesonce dominant, continue their decline to reach only 11,9% registrations.
This transition highlights the rise of hybrid solutions as a compromise between performance, cost and sustainability, while electric solutions, although booming in recent years, are seeing their momentum slow down.
The rise of hybrid vehicles: massive and continued adoption
Sales of hybrid vehicles have seen spectacular growth of 20,9%reaching 3.29 million units in 2024. This progression is driven by several factors:
- Increased accessibility : Hybrids are often more competitively priced than electric vehicles, while still offering significant fuel savings.
- Government aid and incentives : In many countries, hybrids still benefit from subsidies or tax advantages.
- Versatility : The autonomy of hybrids combined with better energy efficiency appeals to urban drivers and frequent travelers alike.
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A highlight of the year is that, for the first time, sales of hybrids have exceeded those of gasoline vehicles for four consecutive monthsreaching a market share of 33,6% in December. This performance illustrates increasingly massive adoption by consumers.
The rise of hybrids is particularly notable in markets like Spain and Italy, where charging infrastructure for electric vehicles still remains limited, which reinforces the appeal of hybrid engines.
Decline in electric vehicles: impact of national policies
Despite their key role in the ecological transition, sales of electric vehicles have decreased by 5,9% in 2024, totaling 1.45 million units. This decline, unexpected after years of constant growth, highlights the impact of national policies and incentives on the adoption of these technologies.
-Germany, the main European automobile market, recorded a drastic drop in 27,4% sales of electric vehicles. The drop was mainly due to the removal of subsidies for the purchase of zero-emission vehicles, a move that immediately dampened consumer interest. On the other hand, markets like Spain showed an opposite dynamic, with an increase in sales of 11,2%driven by purchasing aid still in force and an expanding charging infrastructure.
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This disparity reflects a central challenge for the industry: electric vehicle adoption remains closely tied to government support. In the absence of coherent and harmonized policies at European level, growth in this segment could remain irregular.
Additionally, rising electricity prices in some countries have also dampened consumer interest, reducing the economic advantage of electric vehicles over hybrid solutions.
Decline of diesel and future of traditional engines
The decline of diesel engines continued in 2024, with a drop in sales of 11,4%representing only 11,9% of market share. Once dominant on the European market, this engine is experiencing growing rejection from consumers, influenced by several factors:
- THE environmental regulations increasingly strict in big cities.
- A negative image linked to past scandals and concerns about fine particle emissions.
- An increasingly reduced supply of diesel models, with manufacturers reorienting their production towards hybrid and electric engines.
This decline is particularly marked in countries like France, where anti-diesel policies are among the strictest, but also in Italy, where consumers are turning more towards hybrids.
The future of traditional engines therefore seems limited, with a convergence towards electrified solutions. Hybrids, in particular, appear to be a natural transition for drivers still attached to thermal engines, but wishing to reduce their environmental impact.
