European New Car Registrations Sink in June

June marked the worst month since 1993 for new car registrations in Europe, with volume falling 17% – nearly 214,000 units from same time last year, according to Jato Dynamics, a UK-based research, data and analysis firm.

“The operating environment is becoming increasingly difficult, and worryingly the few safe havens that previously existed across the industry are now starting to show signs of decline too,” commented Felipe Munoz, Jato global analyst.

SUVs and electric vehicles (EVs), drivers of growth over previous months, are now posting declines in Europe. Last month, SUV registrations fell by 7% compared to June 2021, marking a year-to-date decline of 4%. However, the segment still posted a record market share of 49.5%, according to Jato.

EVs reported an 8% decline from a year ago for a total of 215,000 registered units in June, the biggest drop for EVs since April 2020, during the worst of the pandemic. Pure electric cars accounted for 62% of EV registrations, while 38% were plug-in hybrid electric cars, Jato figures indicate.

Causes for the EV decline include a production halt at its China plant for Telsa, while supply issues created by the Russia-Ukraine conflict forced Volkswagen Group brands to pause production of several electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. In contrast, BMW, Mercedes, Peugeot, Kia, Fiat and Cupra recorded growth.

Not all OEMs experienced declines. As Volkswagen Group lost 26% in sales and 3 share points compared to June 2021, Renault (including Renault, Dacia, and Alpine) increased its market share from 10% in June 2021, to 12.1% last month. Renault’s volume remained stable – down by 16% but still the third largest behind the Volkswagen Group and Stellantis.

The Chinese brands, excluding Geely, posted a 93% increase during June – up to 13,800 vehicles Chinese brands outpaced Suzuki, JLR, Mazda, and Honda registrations over the same period.

BMW, Ford, and Geely posted significant decreases, mostly due to a lack of new cars. Similarly, Tesla lost ground, with the brand posting an 11% decline to 22,900 units. However, its overall volume for first half of 2022 was up by 27%.