European car market down: February -3.1%. Tesla collapses (-40.1%), Stellantis in difficulty. Byd grows with economic electric cars. Renault, VW and BMW in recovery.
The car market in Europe is unable to recover. The registrations in February dropped by 3.1% compared to the same month of 2024, marking the worst result of the last five months. The data released by Acea (European Auto Manufacturers Association) confirm the difficulties. In particular for some manufacturers such as Tesla and Stellantis. Others, such as Byd, instead are enjoying a robust growth also given the success of the Battery car cars whose sales have risen by 26%. Renault, Volkswagen and BMW also well well.
Tesla is experiencing, however. one of the most complex periods of its history. In February, enrollments in Europe descended dramatically by 40.1% compared to the same month of the previous year stopping at 16,888 plates. In the first two months, the decline stood at 42.6%, with a market share that went from 2.3% of 2024 to 1.4% (19,046 cars).
Tesla’s decline is due to a series of factors. Among the main ones, there is the delay in the deliveries of the Model Y, its flagship model, whose update has involved a break in production. In addition, Elon Musk’s image had a negative impact on the brand since his strong involvement in politics had very divisive characteristics.
Stellantis is also going through a difficult periodwith a drop of 16.2% in enrollments at 155,970 vehicles, and a market share dropped from 18.7% to 16.2%. Sales in the first two months of 2025 decreased by 16.1% to 310,091 units. To recover the group, he is focusing on accessible electric models, such as the Citroën ë-C3 and the Fiat Grande Panda Panda, trying to conquer a customers who had so far avoided battery-powered vehicles due to too high prices.
If Tesla and Stellantis are facing difficulties, The Chinese group Byd is experiencing an extraordinary moment. In 2024 he recorded a useful net record of 40,254.34 million yuan (about 5.1 billion euros), with an increase of 34% compared to the previous year. The turnover reached 777.1 billion Yuan (about 99.1 billion euros), marking an increase of 30%. This extraordinary result allowed it, with 1.77 million cars sold to overcome Tesla. According to the forecasts, the company should take between 5 and 6 million this year. The turnover was 777,102.45 million yuan (99,130.57 million euros) 30% more than the previous year
One of the aspects that favors the growth of Byd is the Price competitiveness. The Chinese car manufacturer has been able to produce high quality electric vehicles at more accessible prices than many of the traditional car manufacturers, which makes it particularly interesting for European consumers
The European automotive industry is therefore to face a radical transformation. On the one hand, the competition of Chinese producers, such as Byd, Nio and Xpeng, is undermining historical manufacturers.
The electric car market is continuing to grow, with an increase of 26% at European level.
