Sales expand across the region
Chinese automaker BYD continued to post higher new-car registrations in Europe last month, strengthening its position in a market that is becoming increasingly competitive. Data from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) shows BYD reached 17,470 registrations in October, up from 5,695 vehicles a year earlier. The figures cover the European Union as well as the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.
Within the EU alone, registrations rose to 13,350 vehicles compared with 4,525 in October 2024. The company’s growth comes as it faces pressure in its domestic market, but its European strategy continues to deliver higher sales month after month.
Comparison with major carmakers
Despite BYD’s expansion, the gap with established European manufacturers remains significant. Volkswagen sold 308,508 vehicles across the region in October, while Stellantis registered 157,350 units, according to the ACEA data.
Tesla moved in the opposite direction. Registrations in the EU dropped 48 percent last month, extending a pattern of weak monthly performance in 2025. The company has also been dealing with the fallout from Elon Musk’s political involvement in the United States.
EV demand rises across the EU
Battery-electric vehicles have continued to expand their presence in the European market. So far this year, electric cars have reached a 16.4 percent share of the EU market, up from 13.2 percent during the same period last year. Growth has been especially strong in Germany, where battery-electric sales increased 39 percent in the first ten months of the year.
Hybrid-electric car registrations rose 16 percent and plug-in hybrids climbed by 32 percent. Total EU new-car registrations were up 5.8 percent in October, reaching 916,609 units. Germany recorded a 7.8 percent increase and France rose 2.9 percent, while Italy declined slightly by 0.5 percent.
