Data gathered by JATO Dynamics across 26 European markets reveals that last month the European automotive market saw its worst results in January since 1991, with a total of 811,332 new cars registered. New vehicle registrations fell by 2.4% compared with the same month in 2021 – when the market was still struggling with the effect of government imposed lockdowns –and by 28% compared to January 2020. Sweden was the only market to see an increase in registrations compared with January 2020.
Felipe Munoz, Global Analyst at JATO Dynamics, commented: “Last month, consumer confidence remained low due to the economic fallout of the pandemic, and production continued to be hit by the ongoing semiconductor shortage.”
Despite these difficult conditions, SUVs and EVs again emerged as the only drivers of growth for the market. Munoz continued: “These segments have been a lifeline for Europe’s OEMs, and the only option for consumers looking for a fast delivery.”
Last month, 402,900 SUVs were registered, representing 49.7% of the market – the highest ever monthly market share for these vehicles. In contrast to the majority of traditional segments, volume increased by 11% compared with January 2021, but decreased by 10% compared with January 2020. Compact SUVs proved most popular with consumers, however small SUVs (+19%), and midsize SUVs (+50%) also perfomed well.
The segment was led by Volkswagen Group which secured a 24% market share and an increase in volume of 7%. Growth was driven by the Cupra Formentor, the Volkswagen ID.4, Audi Q3, Skoda Enyaq, the new Volkswagen Taigo, Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace, and the Audi Q4. The German manufactuter was followed by Stellantis in the SUV rankings, which saw its market share fall from 20% in January 2020 to 17% last month. Toyota and Hyundai-Kia posted the highest market share increases between January 2020 and January 2022.
Registrations of pure electric vehicles (BEV) and plug-in hybrids (PHEV) totalled 149,400 units during the month, up by 36% when compared with January 2021, and by 105% compared with January 2020. The rate of growth was slower than the market has seen in recent months, and was not enough to offset the 27% drop in diesel registrations, and the 1% drop in petrol registrations.
BEVs saw 73% growth from January 2021, accounting for 54% of the total market – outperforming the 9% growth for PHEVs over the same time period.
The Dacia Sandero topped the general model rankings in January with 17,558 registered units, up by 10% when compared with 2021, and ahead of the Volkswagen Golf in fourth position. Last year, the Golf secured the top spot ahead of the Sandero in second position.
The Toyota Yaris Cross continued to climb the rankings as the third most registered SUV, and the most popular vehicle within the Toyota lineup. The Ford Puma and the Toyota Corolla also entered the top 10.
Notable improvements were also seen by the Hyundai Tucson, Dacia Duster, Mini Hatch, Kia Sportage, Toyota RAV4 and C-HR, Hyundai Kona, and Kia Ceed.
Webinar: EV Global Sales in 2021
Felipe Munoz, Global Analyst at JATO Dynamics, will hold a live webinar on Monday 7th March from 11:00 – 11:30 AM GMT, providing in-depth analysis of key trends in 2021 EV sales and predictions for 2022. Felipe will be joined by Jani Eriksson, Senior Consultant at JATO Dynamics. Please follow this link to register: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/5131491556588409871