Europe New Car Market Grows 6.1% in H1 as BYD, Chery, Leapmotor Surge

The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) released vehicle registration data for the European Union and European markets in June 2026 on July 23.

In June, new vehicle registrations across Europe, including the European Union, the United Kingdom and EFTA markets, reached 1,407,332 units, up 13.1% year on year and 22.1% month on month.

Total registrations in the first half of the year reached 7,234,042 units, representing a 6.1% increase from the same period last year.

Within the EU market alone, new car registrations totaled 1,147,962 units in June, up 13.6% year on year and 20.2% month on month, indicating a further recovery in market demand.

The main driver behind Europe’s market rebound came from electrified vehicles.

In June, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) accounted for 22.2% of new registrations in Europe, while plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) reached a 10.3% share, together representing more than 30% of the market.

Meanwhile, hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) remained the largest powertrain category in Europe, accounting for 36.9% of new vehicle registrations in June.

By contrast, traditional combustion engine vehicles continued to lose ground.

Combined registrations of gasoline and diesel vehicles fell to a 28.5% market share in June, significantly lower than the 36.1% recorded during the same period last year.

Amid the market recovery, Chinese automakers accelerated their expansion in Europe.

Brands including BYD, Chery and Leapmotor post year-on-year growth rates ranging from nearly twofold to more than sixfold compared with the previous year.

Leapmotor was among the fastest-growing Chinese brands in Europe. In June 2026, the company recorded 12,829 registrations in the European market, up 561.6% year on year.

First-half registrations reached 56,005 units, representing a 558.3% increase.

Through its partnership with Stellantis, Leapmotor has been rapidly leveraging local distribution channels to expand sales across Europe.

ACEA data showed that Stellantis and Leapmotor together accounted for a 16% market share across the EU, EFTA and UK markets in the first half of the year.

BYD also maintained rapid expansion momentum. The company recorded 38,455 European registrations in June, up 144.2% year on year, while first-half registrations reached 174,144 units, an increase of 145.5%.

With models including the Seal, Dolphin and Song Plus gradually entering European markets, BYD is expanding from a single new energy vehicle brand into a broader multi-model lineup.

The Geely Group remained the largest Chinese automotive group in Europe by sales scale.

In June, Geely-related brands recorded 49,244 registrations in Europe, up 18.1% year on year. First-half registrations reached 225,350 units, up 8.5%.

The figures include not only Chinese brands such as Geely Galaxy, Lynk & Co and Zeekr, but also overseas brands under the group including Volvo, Polestar, smart and Lotus.

Chery Group, including Chery, Jaecoo, Jetour and Omoda brands, recorded 32,455 European registrations in June, up 266.2% year on year.

First-half registrations reached 155,800 units, representing a 305.8% increase.

SAIC Motor also maintained growth momentum, with European registrations reaching 38,647 units in June, up 46.9% year on year.

First-half registrations totaled 180,659 units, an increase of 18%.

Tesla also returned to growth in the European market. The company recorded 52,563 registrations in June, up 49.9% year on year, while first-half registrations reached 170,351 units, up 54.6%.

In comparison, growth among major European automakers including Renault, Stellantis and Volkswagen remained relatively modest, with new vehicle registrations increasing between 0.3% and 6.4%.