New car registrations in Europe rose 1.7% in February to 979,321 vehicles, reversing a January decline, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA).
Electrified models-battery-electric, plug-in hybrid, and hybrid-accounted for two-thirds of all sales. Battery-electric vehicle registrations surged 20.6%, while plug-in hybrids jumped 32.1%.
The EU and Britain are easing strict CO2 rules under pressure from domestic automakers struggling with EV profitability amid rising competition from Chinese brands.
Tesla’s February registrations climbed 11.8% year-over-year-the first increase since December 2024-narrowly trailing BYD, which more than doubled its sales. Both held 1.8% market share.
Volkswagen and Stellantis saw sales rise 2.2% and 9.5%, respectively. Renault dropped 14.3%.