After three difficult years marked by Covid and difficulties in obtaining supplies electronic components, the European market is revving up. That was the case in the first half of this year increased by 17.6%with just over 6.5 million new cars were delivered.

The main disproportions in the electric car market

Within this huge market that has 31 countries (27 countries of the European Union + Iceland, Norway, the United Kingdom and Switzerland), however, the differences are important. So, if our southern neighbors recorded significant progress (+24% in Spain and +22.8% in Italy), Hungary, for example, lost 1.6%.

And these differences become even more noticeable when we look at the case electric cars If on average they receive 15.1% of sales on the European market (in the geographical sense of this term), then the Norwegians 83% have chosen this energy since the beginning of the year. If we compare, for example, with the Polish market, only 4% made this choice during the same period!

And that’s good for the planet. Indeed, Polish electricity is mainly generated by coal-fired power stations, driving a Tesla or Zoe there produces more CO2 than most thermal cars! Finally, there are very clear differences on all other engines. Thus, 74% of Bulgarians chose a gasoline car with an internal combustion engine, while almost every second Cypriot (48.5%) bought a “full hybrid” model.

Volkswagen Golf got rid of the crown

After decades of undisputed rule, the queen volkswagen golf abdicated his throne. Currently returned to his 8 generationsit fell very badly in sales on this podium in the first half of 2023. Over the past six months, he appeared only on 16th place in the top-30!

She leaves her crown to a naturalized German-American (copies have been delivered to our continent are gathering near Berlin) : THE Tesla Model Y ! A logical result, since this electric SUV has become the bestseller in the world this semester… Presented in France at a price of 45,990 euros, the Y model offers an almost unbeatable performance-price ratio thanks to the very aggressive pricing policy pursued by its CEO. Elon Musk.

More surprising are the cars that complete this podium. Indeed, immediately behind Tesla we find Dacia Sandero, and… Vauxhall Corsa, sold under the Vauxhall brand in the UK! Long focused on compact models (VW Golf, Peugeot 308, etc.), the European market, apparently scared off by the rampant price increases, is increasingly moving towards the lower segments. Among the 10 most registered models since the beginning of the year, at least eight (including 2 SUVs) belong to segments A and B, namely city cars and city SUVs, such as the Ford Puma.

The best French woman took 6th place

As for the best French, it is Peugeot 208, class the 6th Not bad for a model that hasn’t changed since… 2019! THE completely fresh restyling of a city car will be available only at the beginning of the next academic year.

Here again, from one country to another, preferences, but also, of course, financial possibilities differ. Whereas the Swedes placed Volvo at the top of their shopping, they now mostly choose Tesla Model Ywhen the Greeks have only eyes Vauxhall Corsa, which indicates only the 25th place in our country.

An unexpected European podium in 2023

1. Tesla Model Y: 108,590
2. Dacia Sandero: 95,022
3. Opel/Vauxhall Corsa: 80,005
4. Volkswagen T-Roc: 78,682
5. Peugeot 208: 71,322
6. Fiat 500: 65,181
7. Ford Puma: 65,072
8. Renault Clio: 64,378
9. Hyundai Tucson: 63,431
10. Toyota Yaris: 62,018
11. Mini hatch: 56,900
12. Nissan Qashqai: 54,576
13. Toyota Yaris Cross: 52,838
14. Peugeot 2008: 52 155
15. Volkswagen Golf: 52,081
16. Volkswagen Tiguan: 50 104
17. Dacia Duster : 46,974
18. Citroen C3: 44,513
19. Kia Sportage: 42,689
20. Skoda Octavia: 42,321
21. Renault Captur: 41,623
22. Peugeot 3008: 41,530
23. Volkswagen Polo: 39,510
24. Vauxhall/Vauxhall Mokka: 36,643
25. Fiat Panda: 36,372
26. Volkswagen ID.4/ID.5: 35,414
27. Toyota Corolla: 34,185
28. Audi Q3: 31,855
29. BMW X1: 31 152
30. Volkswagen T-Cross: 30,887

A certain European harmony

A few successful models, however, have managed to gain unanimous support, to the point of being among the best sellers in each of these countries. It Dacia Sandero, Fiat 500, Hyundai Tucson, Tesla Model Y, Toyota Yaris, Volkswagen Golf AND Volkswagen T-Roc.

And the French in all this? They are quite reserved. Thus, only Peugeot 208 (6th) and Renault Clio (9th) invite themselves to the top 10 of Europe. And in the next 20 places we find only Peugeot 2008 (15th), Citroen C3 (19th), Renault Kaptur (22nd) and finally Peugeot 3008 (23rd).

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