During April 2025 year-to-date (YTD), new EU car registrations fell by 1.2% compared to the same period last year, according to data released today by the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association, aka ACEA at AutoInformed. The lobbying group of 15 major European automakers said that “nonetheless, registrations in April rebounded with a 1.3% year-on-year (YOY) increase, showing signs of recovery despite the ongoing unpredictable global economic environment.” (Read AutoInformed on: Tesla Tanking as Musk Leaves DOGE and Q1 2025 U.S. EV Sales Up 10%. Tesla Down)
The battery-electric car market share for April 2025 YTD stood at 15.3%, far from where it was forecast to be. Hybrid-electric models continue to grow in popularity, retaining their place as the most popular power type amongst buyers. The big news in the registration report shows that Elon Musk of DOGE infamy continues to struggle with Tesla sales plummeting ~-53% YOY. Continue reading












Trump Tariff Chaos – May Auto Sales Crash
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May 2025 U.S. new-vehicle sales, scheduled to be reported early next week, are expected to show a slower sales level from March and April’s tariff-inspired buying surge, according to the Cox Automotive forecast released today. The May seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR), or sales rate, is forecast by Cox Automotive* at ~16.0 million, up slightly from last May’s 15.8 million level. However, this represents a significant decline from March’s 17.8 million and April’s 17.3 million pace. Sales volume in May is expected to rise 3.2% from last year and 2.5% from last month. This month’s gains, however, are overstated because May has one more selling day than last year or last month.
“The vehicle market has been particularly strong since new tariff announcements in March, as many vehicle shoppers who were considering buying this year decided to pull ahead their purchase, before higher prices hit the market,” said Charlie Chesbrough, senior economist at Cox Automotive. “However, much of that pull-ahead demand has now been satiated, so consumer demand is expected to fall this month.” Continue reading →