European car market September 2026, new car sales growth, ACEA statistics and Dacia situation
The European automotive market has seen remarkable momentum in the second half of the year, driven by a steady recovery in demand and a growing consumer preference for electrified technologies. The latest consolidated data at the continental level shows a significant advance in both the ninth month of the year and the first three quarters, while the manufacturer hierarchy and individual brand performance outline a competitive landscape undergoing profound transformation.
An overview: Growth of over 10% in September and a solid 9-month gain
The European automotive market – including the European Union member states, EFTA countries and the United Kingdom – marked an extremely prolific September, confirming the positive trend of the sector.
- September report: In the 30-day period last month, European customers purchased a total of 1,363,210 new cars. This figure represents a substantial increase of 10.2% compared to the same period last year.
- 9-month performance: Looking at the first nine months of the year as a whole, cumulative volume reached 10,555,351 registered units. Progress compared to the same period in 2025 stands at a solid level of 6.3%, demonstrating a lasting resilience of the market in the face of economic challenges.
X-ray of propulsion: Electrics and hybrids dictate the pace, classic thermal engines are retreating
European buyer preferences continue to shift massively towards electrified alternatives, while vehicles equipped exclusively with internal combustion engines are losing ground at an accelerated pace.
- Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs): They remain the most popular choice in the European market. In September, 458,031 units were sold (+5.3%), while the total for the first 9 months is approaching 3.7 million units (+9.9%).
- 100% electric cars (BEV): Record the most spectacular growth rate. With 416,433 units sold in September alone (an impressive jump of 59.9%), the electric segment reached a total of 2.5 million vehicles delivered in the first nine months of the year (+41.9%).
- Petrol and diesel in decline: Cars equipped with petrol engines ranked third in September's preferences, with 239,259 units (-20.6%), reaching 2.2 million in the first three quarters (-18%). At the opposite end, diesel vehicles continue their steep decline: only 56,166 diesel cars sold in September (-28.2%) and just over 643,000 units in the first 9 months (-19.7%).
- Plug-in hybrids (PHEV): They also marked a favorable evolution, with 164,470 units in September (+24%) and 1.1 million in the first nine months (+22.4%).
Top manufacturers: Volkswagen consolidates its leading position, followed by Stellantis and the Renault Group
In the ranking by industrial groups, the large automotive alliances maintain their dominance in the European market, although growth rates vary significantly from one manufacturer to another.
- Volkswagen Group: Remains the undisputed market leader, reporting 308,474 cars sold in September (-2.9% compared to last year) and a total of 2.66 million vehicles sold in the first 9 months, maintaining a positive trend of +0.5%.
- Stellantis Group: It occupies the second position in the hierarchy, with a volume of 172,977 units delivered in September, marking an increase of 4.5%. In the first 9 months, Stellantis reached 1.5 million vehicles sold, with an advance of 4.7%.
- Renault Group: Completes the European podium, recording 114,726 cars sold in September (-0.7%) and a total of 971,760 vehicles delivered in the first three quarters of the year (-3.1%).
How is Dacia doing?
In the context of a general market on an upward trend, the Dacia brand is going through a period of volume adjustment amid the portfolio transition and competitive pressures in the entry-level and compact segments.
- September results: The Mioveni-based manufacturer sold 45,408 cars on the European market during September, which represents a decrease of 8.9% compared to the same month of the previous year.
- Results for the first 9 months: Between January and September, the brand's cumulative sales reached 405,768 vehicles, marking a 9.7% decrease compared to the same period in 2025.
- Market outlook: Despite this temporary contraction, Dacia remains a formidable player in the top preferences of European customers who are looking for an optimal ratio between price, utility and low operating costs, continuing to rely on the renewal of the range and a strong presence in key segments.