The number of new car registrations in the EU increased by 4.5% in August for seven consecutive months, and the share of electric vehicles rose to 21.7%

The Zhitong Finance App notes that according to data released by the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) on Thursday, the number of new car registrations in the EU increased 4.5% year-on-year to 708,211 vehicles in August, continuing the market's growth trend for the seventh consecutive month, and demand for electric vehicles (EVs) remains strong.

The growth rate in August was faster than the 3% increase in July, and all four major European car markets recorded growth. Spain saw the biggest increase of 11.8%; followed by France at 7.4%, Italy at 3.2%, and Germany at 2.6%.

New car registrations in the EU increased 5.3% in the first eight months of 2026, despite continuing geopolitical uncertainty and rising energy prices. ACEA said demand for electric vehicles continues to benefit from market support measures and a wider range of models to choose from.

As of August, pure electric vehicles (BEVs) accounted for 21.7% of new vehicle registrations in the EU, up from 15.8% in the same period last year, highlighting the trend of continuing transition to electrification. Hybrids (hybrids) rank first with 36.6%, while plug-in hybrids account for 10%.

Among the main markets, in the first eight months of 2026, BEV registrations in France increased by 74.2%, Germany by 53.1%, and Denmark by 40.9%. France, Germany, and Denmark together accounted for 64% of the total number of BEV registrations in the EU during this period.

Since the beginning of the year, Chinese car companies have continued to record strong growth in the European Union. Chery increased 250.9% to 116,318 vehicles; BYD increased 163% to 177,752 vehicles. Tesla (TSLA.US) sales climbed 65.9% to 142,165 units; SAIC Motor increased 19.8% to 163,707 units; Geely Group increased 7.8% to 205,047 units.

Among major traditional car companies, Volkswagen Group grew 1.3% to 1.99 million units; Stellantis (STLA.US) grew 5.2% to 1.2 million units; while Ford (F.US) fell 17.7%, Renault Group declined 4%, and Hyundai declined 2.2%.