The numbers are in. If the Tesla Model Y is the best-selling electric model in Europe, it was beaten by another model in the general ranking.
In November 2024, overall sales fell by 1.7%. However, electric cars and Chinese brands continue to shake up the rankings, while emblematic models like the Renault Clio or the Peugeot 208 remain in the lead.
An industry that is looking for itself
The first cold temperatures of November had enveloped Europe, but in the parking lots of car dealerships, the excitement was palpable. Manufacturers were carrying out their last campaigns of the year, hoping to make up for a lackluster month. But behind the well-lit windows, the numbers don’t lie. With 1,054,573 units sold according to data from Jato Dynamics, the month ended with a drop of 1.7% compared to 2023. This decline, more marked than in October, reflects a market under pressure. However, one detail attracts attention: cumulative registrations since the start of the year remain slightly above those of the previous year, with an increase of 0.8%. In other words, 2024 still standsbut on fragile legs.
The big European brands continue to dominate, starting with Volkswagen, Stellantis and Renault. However, it is another competition, quieter but formidable, which is redrawing the contours of the market. Chinese brands, once relegated to an extra role, are now making strides. Take MG, for example. Last month, the brand not only overtook Fiat, but its rise reflects a broader trend: the explosion of sales of Chinese electric cars. With a market share reaching 13.2% in November, these imported models appeal to an audience looking for novelties, efficiency and, let’s be honest, competitive prices. But that’s not all. Names still unknown to the big European public, such as Omoda or Xpeng, are sliding into the ranking, eclipsing established manufacturers such as Subaru or even… Jaguar!
The electric car: rising star
Speaking of electric, the month of November confirmed a now unavoidable trend. As overall sales fall, the electric car continues to gain ground. With 183,259 units sold, it now represents 17.4% of total registrations. Headlining? The Tesla Model Y, of course. This SUV, a real steamroller in the segment, has established itself not only as the best-selling electric car, but also as one of the most popular models in all categories. A victory that seems almost natural as the Californian brand has managed to impose its mark on the European market. Behind, the fight is tighter. The Skoda Enyaq climbs onto the second step of the podium, while models like the Mercedes EQB discreetly re-enter the Top 10. But if Tesla dominates the debates, the rise of Chinese brands in this segment suggests a more contested future.
In a disrupted automotive world, certain benchmarks nevertheless remain intact. The Dacia Sandero, for example, continues to reign supreme in the European market. Accessible, reliable and well thought out, it embodies a certain idea of the practical car, far from the limelight of premium vehicles or avant-garde electrics. The Tesla Model Y and the Volkswagen Golf complete this top trio (all categories combined), but the rest of the ranking offers some surprises.
The Peugeot 208 is making its comeback in the Top 10, demonstrating Europeans’ attachment to versatile city cars. As for the Renault Clio, it remains firmly anchored in fourth place, just short of the podium. And what about plug-in hybrids? Although attention is often focused on electric vehicles, this segment continues to play a key role in the energy transition. In November, the Volvo XC60 consolidated its leading position, closely followed by the Volkswagen Tiguan, whose PHEV version has enjoyed growing success since its recent update. The BMW X1 closes the podium, while the Ford Kuga remains at the top of the ranking.
Source: www.autoplus.fr
