Car sales in Europe lagging behind US and China
New car sales in Europe fell by 2.4% in the first half of the year compared to growth in North America and China of 2.5% and 12% respectively.
Across the globe, new car registrations were up five per cent in the first six months of 2025 to 37.4 million units.
This is according to the Economic and Market Report: Global and EU auto industry – First half of 2025, published by the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA).
Automotive production produced similar figures, with European output down by 2.6% compared to 12.3% growth in China. Globally, Asian countries made 60.1% of all vehicles while European manufacturers produced 15.9% of worldwide output.
Imports and exports
Trade performance in the EU car sector also experienced some challenges. Both imports and exports fell by 3.3%, while imports from China increased but exports to China dropped sharply by 42%.
In terms of commercial vehicles, van, truck, and bus registrations in Europe all declined, while production fell by 6.8% against a one per cent rise in worldwide van production.
However, truck and bus production in the EU are expected to recover by 5.7% and 6.2%, respectively by the end of the year.
