European Passenger Car Sales for 2021
In general, the car sales in Europe in 2021 were expected to show a recovery compared to the previous year, as the region gradually emerged from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. After the significant decline in car sales in 2020 due to the pandemic, the European car market was expected to rebound in 2021. As vaccination programs rolled out and restrictions eased, consumer confidence and spending began to recover.
The demand for electric vehicles continued to grow in Europe in 2021. Governments and manufacturers supported the transition to cleaner mobility, offering incentives and expanding charging infrastructure. This led to increased sales of electric and hybrid vehicles. Europe implemented stricter emissions regulations in recent years, encouraging car manufacturers to focus on producing more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly vehicles. These regulations drove the development and sales of electric and hybrid models. Economic conditions and consumer sentiment played a significant role in car sales. Factors such as employment rates, disposable income, and financing options influenced consumer purchasing decisions.
The car market continued to see a shift in consumer preferences towards SUVs and crossovers, which have gained popularity in recent years. These larger vehicles offered more space, versatility, and higher driving positions. The pandemic accelerated the digital transformation of the automotive industry. Online sales platforms and digital experiences became more prevalent, allowing customers to research, customize, and purchase vehicles remotely.
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 2021
The average for 2021 based on 26 European area countries was 28,331 passenger cars. The highest value was in Germany: 2,622,132 passenger cars and the lowest value was in Bulgaria: 24,537 passenger cars. Total car sales in the European region for 2021 hit 13,736,595 units.
- Total Car Sales for 2022: 13,736,595 – for all of Europe
- Top Ranked Country Sales: 2,622,132 – Germany
- Lowest Ranked Country Sales: 24,537 – Bulgaria
- Average Country Sales: 528,330.6
- 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.
| Countries | Sales Units | Rank | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | 2,622,132 | 1 | -10.13 |
| France | 1,659,005 | 2 | 0.54 |
| UK | 1,647,181 | 3 | 0.99 |
| Russia | 1,483,444 | 4 | 3.45 |
| Italy | 1,456,674 | 5 | 5.44 |
| Spain | 859,476 | 6 | 0.97 |
| Turkey | 561,853 | 7 | -7.91 |
| Poland | 446,647 | 8 | 4.27 |
| Belgium | 383,123 | 9 | -9.75 |
| Netherlands | 324,336 | 10 | -9.40 |
| Sweden | 301,006 | 11 | 3.08 |
| Austria | 239,803 | 12 | -6.95 |
| Switzerland | 238,481 | 13 | 0.70 |
| Czechia | 206,876 | 14 | 1.92 |
| Denmark | 185,324 | 15 | -6.46 |
| Norway | 176,276 | 16 | 41.67 |
| Portugal | 149,740 | 17 | 2.97 |
| Hungary | 121,920 | 18 | -4.77 |
| Romania | 120,804 | 19 | -4.39 |
| Ireland | 104,669 | 20 | 18.51 |
| Ukraine | 103,262 | 21 | 20.84 |
| Greece | 100,916 | 22 | 24.62 |
| Finland | 98,481 | 23 | 2.17 |
| Slovakia | 75,700 | 24 | -0.79 |
| Croatia | 44,929 | 25 | 24.61 |
| Bulgaria | 24,537 | 26 | 9.70 |
2021 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 2021
Source: OICA
