Chinese brands gain as Europe car sales rise

Europe's car market is shifting toward electrified models as Chinese brands gain ground amid rising sales. Registrations in the EU, Britain and the European Free Trade Association rose 7% in April to 1,152,315 vehicles, while January-April deliveries were 4.8% higher than a year earlier. Electrified vehicles—battery-electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid models—rose about 21% and now account for more than two-thirds of total registrations. Petrol and diesel cars fell about 15% and 17%, underscoring a decisive move toward lower-emission powertrains. The data reflect policy support, subsidies and higher fuel costs shaping buyers' choices in the region's largest markets, with Chinese brands expanding their share. Tesla extended its recovery for a third straight month, with April registrations up 46.5% to 10,654 units, though it remained behind BYD, whose volumes jumped 114.5% to 27,008. Chinese automakers such as Chery posted rapid gains, up about 322%, indicating a broader shift in competition. Among traditional manufacturers, Volkswagen rose 3.5%, Stellantis 6.7%, BMW 2.4% and Mercedes-Benz 7%, while Renault fell 3.6%. In the first four months of the year, Italy, France and Germany were among the strongest BEV markets, with registrations up about 73%, 48% and 41%, respectively, reflecting incentive and charging-network effects.