European car market, electric and plug-in overtake diesel cars in August

European car market

The numbers of the European car market for 2021 show a decline in registrations compared to the same period of the previous year. According to data released by Jato Dynamics, in the month of August there was a drop of 18% in registrations (713,714) compared to the same period of 2020 and even 33% compared to 2019. Data detected at the level of the 26 European countries and the worst result since 2014.

Without a doubt, the chip crisis that continues to hit the automotive sector has also contributed to the drop in registrations. Both production problems and delays in deliveries of new cars during the Covid-19 pandemic inevitably had negative effects on sales.

The chip shortage has been a major setback for manufacturers still at grappled with the effects of the pandemic. Production problems and delays in new car deliveries have hurt sales and a lack of dealership availability is forcing many consumers to search for used cars or simply delay their purchase. Under normal circumstances, consumers can expect to have to wait many months for a new Ferrari, but they are now experiencing the same delay for regular models.

If on the one hand, August recorded negative data, confirming itself as the worst month since 2014, sales of electric cars and plug-ins get much better data. In detail, in August 2021 they obtained a total market share of 21% with 151,737 units registered; second highest monthly fee ever.

With reference to the data of the electric and Plug-in models that obtained the best results in August, the ID.3 stands out, the electric of the Wolfsburg brand that has conquered the highest step of the podium among the best-selling BEVs . Followed by the Tesla Model 3 and Volkswagen ID.4. In the top 10 there are two other Volkswagen Group models, the Skoda Enyaq iV and the Volkswagen e-UP. Eighth place for the Tesla Model Y.

As for the Plug-in ranking, in first place we find the Ford Kuga, followed by the Mercedes GLC. Third step of the podium, however, for the BMW 3 Series. In August 2021, the best-selling car in Europe was the Dacia Sandero with 14,961 units. Followed by the Volkswagen Golf and Toyota Yaris.

Although offers and incentives have played a significant role in increasing demand, we have seen a fundamental shift in shopping habits as more engaging models have entered the market and consumers have become aware of the benefits of electric vehicles, commented Felipe Munoz, Global Analyst at JATO Dynamics.

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Electric cars outsell diesels in Europe for first time

© DPA A heavy lift: Manufacturers are now selling more electric cars than diesel cars to buyers in Europe according to new figures. Sebastian Kahnert/dpa

Widespread scepticism about electric cars seems to be giving way to more acceptance in Europe, where EVs outsold diesel cars in August for the first time.

According to data from 26 European markets, a total of 151,737 new electrics and hybrids were registered last month, an on-year increase of 61 per cent.

Total European electric car sales volume since January stood at 1.32 million units, said analyst Felipe Munoz. The figures were compiled by the JATO Dynamics automotive information service.

Sales of diesels are in the doldrums worldwide, partly due to the damage done by the Volkswagen Group's emissions scandal and a growing number of bans in urban areas.

Many makers have dropped diesel motors from their ranges although they remain popular with SUV buyers.

Experts say the electric car market is holding up well despite the disruption in automotive sales caused by the pandemic.

In Europe, demand was particularly strong for the electric versions of the Fiat 500, Peugeot 208, Hyundai Kona, Opel Corsa, Kia Niro and VW's ID.3 which was Europe's top-selling EV during the month.

Overall new car registrations in Europe last month fell by 18 per cent to 713,714 units, the lowest since the same month in 2014. This came amid a computer chip shortage which has slowed production and lengthened waiting lists.

Electric vehicle sales have surged in all three top car markets over the year, according to the global energy industry website power-technology.com.

Sales went up by 160 per cent in the first half of 2021 from a year earlier, to 2.6 million units. This represents 26 per cent of new sales in the global automotive market.

China is the world's top EV market, with 1.1 million vehicles sold in the first half, or 12 per cent of global sales. In the United States, EVs have found less favour. Just 250,000 units were sold, accounting for 3 per cent of sales.

© DPA Experts say the electric car market is holding up well despite the disruption in automotive sales caused by the pandemic. Zacharie Scheurer/dpa