2020 Overall European Auto Industry Sales Figures

European Passenger Car Sales for 2020

In 2020, the European car market faced unprecedented challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a significant decline in car sales compared to the previous year. The European car market experienced a sharp decline in 2020, with approximately 11.9 million new car registrations. This figure represents a substantial decrease compared to the previous year, highlighting the impact of the pandemic on the industry. The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound effect on the car market, leading to widespread lockdowns, economic uncertainty, and reduced consumer confidence. These factors significantly affected car sales and production throughout the year. The largest car markets in Europe during 2020 were Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Russia, Italy and Spain. All of these markets saw a considerable decline in car sales compared to the previous year.

Germany, the largest car market in Europe, experienced a significant decline in car sales in 2020, with around 2.92 million new car registrations. The market faced challenges due to lockdown measures, reduced consumer spending, and economic uncertainty. France recorded around 1.65 million new car registrations in 2020, representing a significant decrease compared to the previous year. Lockdown measures, economic uncertainties, and reduced consumer confidence contributed to the decline. Italy saw a sharp decline in car sales in 2020, with approximately 1.4 million new car registrations. The market was heavily impacted by the pandemic, with strict lockdown measures and economic difficulties affecting consumer demand. The United Kingdom experienced a substantial decline in car sales in 2020, with approximately 1.63 million new car registrations. The market was affected by factors such as the pandemic, economic uncertainties, and the impact of Brexit. Spain’s car market faced a significant decline in 2020, with around 0.84 million new car registrations. The market was severely affected by lockdown measures, reduced consumer spending, and economic challenges.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused an economic downturn across Europe, resulting in job losses, reduced disposable incomes, and uncertainty. These factors contributed to the decline in car sales as consumers prioritized essential needs over purchasing vehicles. Despite the overall decline in car sales, the demand for electric and hybrid vehicles showed resilience in 2020. Governments continued to offer incentives and subsidies for greener vehicles, and consumers showed increased interest in environmentally friendly 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 2020

The average for 2020 based on 26 European area countries was 988,604 passenger cars. The highest value was in Germany: 2,917,678 passenger cars and the lowest value was in Bulgaria: 22,368 passenger cars. Total European market sales hit 13,884,237 cars in 2020.

• Total Car Sales for 2020: 13,884,237 – for all of Europe
• Top Ranked Country Sales: 2,917,678 – Germany
• Lowest Ranked Country Sales: 22,368 – Bulgaria
• Average Country Sales: 534,009.1
• Number of Countries in Analysis: 26

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.

2020 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 2020

Source: OICA