Key facts
- European car registrations increased by 3.6% in May, with electric vehicle sales surging by 39.1%.
- BYD became Europe's best-selling Chinese car brand in May, selling over 32,000 vehicles.
- Chinese manufacturers Geely, BYD, Chery, and Leapmotor experienced significant sales growth in Europe.
- The combined market share of the top five Chinese-owned automotive groups in Europe reached 10.6% in May.
- The European Union is reportedly considering imposing tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles.
European car sales saw a notable increase in May, largely propelled by a surge in electric vehicle (EV) adoption, with Chinese manufacturers significantly expanding their market share. Overall car registrations climbed 3.6% for the month, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), contributing to a 4.5% rise in sales for the first five months of the year. EV sales specifically jumped by 34% year-over-year in May, with ACEA reporting a 39.1% increase. Plug-in hybrids also saw a 13.2% gain, and hybrid car sales rose by 8.2%. Chinese EV brands were the primary beneficiaries of this trend. BYD, Leapmotor, Chery, and Geely experienced dramatic sales increases in Europe, with Leapmotor up 465%, Chery up 244%, and BYD up 137%. In comparison, many major European brands, with the exception of BMW and Mercedes, saw sales numbers decline last month. The data also indicated a strong demand for second-hand EVs, which are often more affordable than new models. Meanwhile, Brussels is reportedly considering new tariffs aimed at slowing the advance of Chinese automakers in the European market.