European car market expands 14.6% in October

By Tuba Ongun

ANKARA (AA) – The European passenger car market grew 14.6% from a year ago in October, marking the 15th consecutive month of growth, an industry group report revealed on Tuesday.

New passenger car registrations in the EU amounted to 855,484 units in October, the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) said in a statement.

Three of the largest markets saw double-digit percentage gains – France (21.9%), Italy (20%), and Spain (18.1%), while the German car market posted a more modest annual hike of 4.9% in October.

The market share of battery-electric cars in the EU increased to 14.2 in October, up from 12% last year.

"The year-to-date share now stands at 14%, surpassing diesel’s cumulative share for the first time," read the statement.

EU battery-electric car registrations climbed 36.3% from a year earlier to 121,808 units in October.

Hybrid-electric cars held their position as buyers’ second choice, with a 29% market share.

While gas-powered cars are still the most popular choice, the market share fell to 33.4% in October.

In January-October, new car registrations in the 27-member bloc grew 16.7% year-on-year, reaching nearly 9 million units.

All markets expanded during this 10-month period except for Hungary, the ACEA said.