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User Guide

GlobalData European Passenger Car Sales Update (April 2026)

April Sales Surge on Low Base Effects and BEV Momentum

2026/05/08

Summary
Commentary

Summary

In April, the Western European PV market grew for a third consecutive month as passenger vehicle (PV) sales gained nearly 7% year-on-year (YoY). The selling rate slipped slightly to 12.0 mn units/year, while year-to-date (YTD) sales currently stand at 4.2 mn units, up 5% from the first four months of 2025.
April 2026 totals benefited by comparison to a low base in April 2025. Across the region, sales continue to be bolstered by a robust uptake in Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), driven by supportive policy measures and the entry of competitively priced international brands, particularly from China. While the first half of the year so far has shown promise, rising energy prices stemming from tensions in the Middle East are beginning to impact consumer confidence. Furthermore, with the potential for higher ECB rates to combat persistent inflation, the outlook for the second half of the year remains cautious. Our current forecast has the Western European PV market declining by nearly 1% YoY.

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