2019 Overall European Auto Industry Sales Figures

European Passenger Car Sales for 2019

In 2019, the European car market experienced a challenging year, with a decline in car sales compared to the previous year. The European car market faced a significant decline in 2019, with approximately 17.9 million new car registrations. This figure represents a notable decrease compared to the previous year, indicating a slowdown in the market. The largest car markets in Europe during 2019 were Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Russia and Spain. These countries collectively contributed to the overall car sales performance, although growth rates varied.

Germany remained the largest car market in Europe in 2019, with around 3.6 million new car registrations. However, the market experienced a decline, partly due to the introduction of stricter emissions regulations and the ongoing diesel controversy. The United Kingdom witnessed a decline in car sales in 2019, with approximately 2.3 million new car registrations. The market faced challenges such as economic uncertainty surrounding Brexit, changes in diesel regulations, and reduced consumer confidence. France recorded around 2.2 million new car registrations in 2019. The market experienced a decline, influenced by factors such as economic uncertainties, changes in emissions regulations, and reduced consumer spending. Italy saw a decrease in car sales in 2019, with approximately 1.9 million new car registrations. The market faced challenges such as economic factors, political uncertainties, and reduced consumer confidence. Spain’s car market experienced a decline in 2019, with around 1.3 million new car registrations. Factors such as economic slowdown, increased vehicle taxation, and political uncertainties impacted consumer demand.

European car brands such as Volkswagen, Renault, Ford, Peugeot, Opel/Vauxhall, and Fiat remained popular choices among consumers in 2019. These brands continued to offer a range of models, including both conventional and alternative fuel options. The European car market in 2019 faced economic challenges, including slower economic growth, uncertainties surrounding Brexit, and trade tensions. These factors affected consumer confidence and purchasing decisions. Despite the overall decline in car sales, the shift towards electric and hybrid vehicles continued in 2019. Car manufacturers introduced more electric and hybrid models to meet emissions regulations and cater to increasing consumer demand for greener options.

The indicator estimates the number of new passenger car registrations and sales that took place within a country in a year. Passenger cars are road motor vehicles, other than a motor cycle, intended for the carriage of passengers and designed to seat no more than nine persons (including the driver).

List of European Countries by Motor Vehicle Production for 2019

The average for 2019 based on 40 European area countries was 448,610 passenger cars. The highest value was in Germany: 3,607,258 passenger cars and the lowest value was in Albania: 3,005 passenger cars. In total, 17,944,404  new cars were sold in the European region in 2019.

• Total Car Sales for 2019: 17,944,404 – for all of Europe
• Top Ranked Country Sales: 3,607,258 – Germany
• Lowest Ranked Country Sales: 3,005 – Albania
• Average Country Sales: 448,610.1
• Number of Countries in Analysis: 40

It’s important to note that specific sales figures and rankings may vary slightly depending on the source, as data can differ between different market research firms and organizations. For this analysis, we have used OICA data.

2019 European Passenger Car Sales Chart

This visual tree-chart shows the relative size of the European car market and how each country fairs in terms of market share size.

Top European Car Markets Ranked for 2019

Source: OICA