In line with GlobalData, Western Europe’s passenger car (PV – automobiles) annualised promoting price stood at 10.9 million items/12 months in Might, down from the 11.2 million items/12 months noticed for April. Gross sales volumes totalled just below 1 million new autos, a 2% enchancment YoY. YTD gross sales at the moment are just below 5 million items, broadly flat in comparison with the identical interval in 2024. Spain continues to shine because the standout performer, whereas the French market is amongst these grappling with YoY losses.
In latest months, the Western European PV market has struggled to satisfy expectations, primarily as a result of declining shopper confidence stemming from inflation worries, potential heavy US commerce tariffs, and broader financial uncertainty. This 12 months, there was a downturn in gross sales throughout three of the 5 largest markets—France, Germany, and Italy. GlobalData continues to forecast gross sales to fall wanting 2024’s end result, the present outlook seeing gross sales totalling 11.4 million items (-1% YoY).
The PV promoting price for Western Europe fell in Might to 10.9 million items/12 months. YoY gross sales improved circa 2%, totalling 988k items. Gross sales outcomes throughout the area current a blended image; nevertheless, the continued decline in gross sales from a majority of the main 5 markets is hindering total development.
On a optimistic word, the German PV market grew for the primary time in 6 months in Might 2025. Gross sales had been up round 1% YoY, reaching 239k items. YTD gross sales reached 1.15 million items, down over 2% in comparison with the identical interval in 2024. The most recent PV gross sales had been 28% decrease than Might 2019’s volumes. Whereas final month’s development is encouraging, gross sales are anticipated to stay sluggish as a result of prevailing uncertainty, which is impacting shoppers’ willingness to spend money on sturdy items equivalent to PVs.
The UK PV market improved final month as gross sales totalled 150k items, up almost 2% YoY. Gross sales grew as a result of an increase in fleet and enterprise registrations. Moreover, the numerous development in BEVs and PHEVs, pushed by enticing producer incentives, contributed to the general market enchancment. YTD gross sales now stand at 851k items, up almost 3% from the identical interval in 2024.
The Spanish PV market stays a key driver of development, up almost 19% YoY and are up near 14% YTD. Gross sales elevated as a result of fleet renewal, an increase in electrified car registrations, car replacements from the DANA climate occasion, and efficient authorities incentives just like the MOVES 2025 Plan.
The French PV market seems to be in free fall as gross sales have fallen YoY in twelve out of the final 13 months, with this month’s end result down over 12% from Might 2024. February’s car regulation modifications are impacting gross sales, whereas commerce conflicts and political instability are decreasing shopper confidence and financial development. In Italy, gross sales remained broadly flat in Might, although the market did publish the worst promoting price since 2022.
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