2017 Best Selling Passenger Cars In Europe (All Models Ranked)
2017 was another pivotal year for the European car market, shaped by multiple trends, challenges, and opportunities. The European car market’s growth rate was moderate compared to previous years, with a rise of around 3-4% in registrations. It continued the post-recession recovery trend but at a slower pace. The “Big Five” markets (Germany, UK, France, Italy, and Spain) exhibited varied results. While France, Italy, and Spain saw a rise in car registrations, the UK, amidst uncertainties related to Brexit, recorded a decline in new car sales for the first time in six years.
Following the Dieselgate scandal and growing environmental concerns, the popularity of diesel cars continued to wane. Many European cities discussed bans or restrictions on older diesel vehicles due to pollution concerns. As a counterpoint to the diesel dilemma, there was a notable push towards electrification. Governments, especially in countries like France and the UK, announced plans to ban sales of new petrol and diesel cars by 2040. This shift resulted in a growing interest in hybrid and electric vehicles, and many manufacturers increased their focus on introducing electric variants.
