Europe’s Auto Sales Drop
EV share declines, mirroring slower demand in the U.S.

Battery-electric vehicles’ share of sales declined from about 14% to 13% year-over-year as hybrids rose from 24% to 29%.
IMAGE: Pexels/Aleksejs Bergmanis
New-vehicle sales in Europe fell for the first time this year in March as the electric sales portion declined.
The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association said this year’s Easter holiday timing adversely affected overall sales for the month.
Sales decreased 5% to a million units year-over-year. Battery-electric sales alone fell 11% while hybrids surged 13%, though plug-in hybrids alone fell about 7%, the organization said. Gas-powered vehicle sales fell 10%, diesel about 19%.
The EV/hybrid breakdown mirrored U.S. patterns of slower EV sales as consumers gravitate more to hybrids when it comes to alternative-fuel vehicles.
Battery-electric vehicles’ share of sales declined from about 14% to 13% year-over-year as hybrids rose from 24% to 29%.
Originally posted on Auto Dealer Today
More Industry

Charger Network Growth Slows
Despite a projected increase in public EV chargers in 2026, charging infrastructure remains a top concern for consumers as the gap between the most and least EV-friendly places remains substantial.
Read More →
Lenders, Consumers Take on More Auto Loan Risk
September records loosened credit access the most in over a decade as buyers took advantage of the conditions to afford trading, though loan applications fell.
Read More →
Next-Gen Hybrids in Sight
Dealerships can expect to see revamped hybrids from Honda next year as the company rolls out a new system and model lineup.
Read More →
Gem State Stores Change Hands
A larger auto group founded in the industry’s early years sold two franchises to a neighbor group that's on a growth spurt.
Read More →
Charging In Motion
Honda has been researching wireless in-motion charging for electric vehicles since 2025, and new technology developments have put it a step closer to a final product.
Read More →
Twin Cities Stores Sell
Minnesota-based Walser Automotive Group made what it called the most significant acquisition in its history with a three-rooftop deal in Minneapolis.
Read More →
U.S. Auto Sales Still Below Prepandemic Levels
Mobility Global industry observers don’t expect the market to return to the higher volumes that became routine before Covid but to stay well below its potential.
Read More →
The Powertrain Shift
Electric-vehicle owners are backpedaling, according to new data, with product availability driving many to shift back to gas-powered engines.
Read More →
Achromatic Autos
The shades that dominate the U.S. car market don’t call attention to themselves, though grayscale may have plateaued after a 30-year upswing, research shows.
Read More →
Used-Vehicle Affordability Worsens
Listing prices in August defied seasonal trends, rising above $27,000 for the second time this year.
Read More →