Europe Car Sales Up 12.5 Pct In March On Strong EV Demand

FRANKFURT, April 23 (Bernama-dpa-AFX) -- Europe’s new car registrations rose sharply in March, driven by surging demand for electric and hybrid vehicles, the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA) said on Thursday, reported dpa-AFX.

Car sales increased 12.5 per cent year-over-year to 1.158 million units, with electrified vehicles accounting for most of the growth.

Battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales jumped 48.9 per cent from a year earlier.

Plug-in hybrid sales rose 28.2 per cent, while hybrid-electric vehicle sales increased 20.1 per cent.

By contrast, petrol and diesel car sales declined 9.4 per cent and 12.3 per cent, respectively.

"The market was supported by robust consumer activity bolstered by new and revised tax benefits and incentive schemes across major European countries," ACEA said.

Supported by the strong March performance, new EU car registrations rose four per cent in the first quarter.

Hybrid-electric vehicles remained the most popular choice among buyers, accounting for 38.6 per cent of total registrations.

Battery electric vehicles reached a market share of 19.4 per cent in the quarter, while plug-in hybrids continued to gain ground.

Meanwhile, the combined share of petrol and diesel cars fell to 30.3 per cent from 38.2 per cent a year earlier, underscoring the ongoing shift toward electrified powertrains.

ACEA said the continued growth of hybrids and plug-in hybrids highlights the importance of a technology-neutral approach to decarbonisation.

-- BERNAMA-dpa-AFX