EU Auto Market in Turmoil: Gas and Diesel Vehicles Lose Nearly 70% of Sales.

Shifts in the EU New Car Market

According to Novyny.live: By early 2026, the European Union's new car market is undergoing a dramatic transformation, with demand for internal combustion engines plummeting while electrified models gain traction. During the first two months of the year, registrations of gasoline-powered cars in the EU dropped by 23.3%, reflecting a clear shift in consumer preferences. The market share for gasoline vehicles fell from 29% to 22.5% year-over-year, and in France, demand for gasoline cars collapsed by 48.5%.

Electrified technologies now dominate, accounting for roughly 67% of all vehicles sold. Sales of fully electric cars surged by 22.3%, representing nearly 19% of total registrations. Additionally, demand for plug-in hybrids rose by 30.6%. In both France and Germany, the shift to electric vehicles has grown by over 26%, reinforcing the trend toward transport electrification.

Trends and Regional Variations

Amid the overall rise in EV popularity, the traditional engine market is suffering significant losses. Diesel car registrations fell by 17.7%, now making up only 8.1% of the market. Combined, gasoline and diesel engines account for just 30.6% of sales, down from over 38% a year earlier.

However, results vary across countries. The Netherlands, for instance, saw a 34.9% decline in interest in electric cars, while Belgium experienced an 11% drop. These market contrasts highlight differing rates of adaptation to new technologies depending on the region. Overall, the EU new car market is entering a new era where electrification is becoming the dominant trend.

These shifts in the EU automotive market mirror global trends toward more sustainable and eco-friendly transportation.

With growing attention to environmental issues and the reduction of CO2 emissions, markets are adapting to new realities, leading to major changes in consumer preferences. At the same time, regional differences in the pace of EV adoption underscore the need for tailored approaches to support this transformation. This could influence automaker strategies and government policies aimed at accelerating transport electrification.