New EU car registrations rose by 5.7% year-to-date, with a solid performance in June contributing to a positive first half of 2026, according to data published today by the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association. [aka ACEA at AutoInformed after its original French name].

“This came against a backdrop of persistent geopolitical headwinds weighing on the outlook. The market continued to benefit from robust consumer demand for a range of electrified technologies, driven primarily by market support measures. Hybrid-electric vehicles lead as the most popular powertrain choice among buyers, while battery-electric cars reached 20.7%. In addition, plug-in hybrids captured 9.8% of the EU market,” ACEA said.