The European automotive market, encompassing 43 countries, witnessed a slight growth of 0.8% in 2024, reaching a total of 14.08 million vehicles. Germany retained its position as the largest car market in the region, with 2.8 million vehicles sold, despite a 0.8% decline compared to 2023. German sales accounted for 19.9% of the total European market.
The UK secured the second spot with 1.95 million cars sold, reflecting a growth of 2.6%. France followed closely behind in third place, recording 1.72 million sales, a 3% dip. Italy’s figures stood at 1.56 million, a minor decrease of 0.5%, while Turkey’s sales reached 1.24 million, a modest increase of 0.8%.
Rounding out the top 10 markets were Spain (1.02 million, up 7.1%), Poland (551,568, up 16.1%), Belgium (448,278, down 6%), the Netherlands (381,166, up 3.2%), and Sweden (268,922, down 7%).
| Rank | Market | Sales (units) | Growth/Decline |
| 1 | Germany | 2,800,000 | -0.8% |
| 2 | UK | 1,950,000 | +2.6% |
| 3 | France | 1,720,000 | 3% |
| 4 | Italy | 1,560,000 | -0.5% |
| 5 | Turkey | 1,240,000 | +0.8% |
| 6 | Spain | 1,020,000 | +7.1% |
| 7 | Poland | 551,568 | +16.1% |
| 8 | Belgium | 448,278 | -6% |
| 9 | Netherlands | 381,166 | +3.2% |
| 10 | Sweden | 268,922 | -7% |
Top 10 European car markets in 2024 by sales volume.
In 2024, the Dacia Sandero was the most popular model among European consumers, with sales of 274,702 units, reflecting a growth of 12.2%. The Renault Clio secured the second position, selling 273,354 units, a 4% increase. With these results, the Clio surpassed the Volkswagen Golf, which ranked third with a sales growth of 14.7%, totaling 230,605 units. Meanwhile, the Volkswagen T-Roc experienced a 1% decline, reaching 221,712 units.
Tesla’s Model Y claimed the fifth spot, with 215,851 vehicles delivered to European customers, marking an 18.1% drop. It also held the distinction of being the best-selling electric car in Europe for the previous year, as well as the top-selling American car in the region.
The Dacia Duster followed closely with a sales growth of 12.9%, totaling 210,148 units. The Volkswagen Tiguan, with 204,559 units sold, demonstrated a strong performance, increasing by 13.4%. Thus, the Volkswagen brand boasted three models in the top 10 best-selling cars in Europe for the previous year.
In eighth place was the Lada Granta, with cumulative sales of 203,925 units, a 1.8% decline. After Western brands exited Russia due to the conflict with Ukraine, Lada gained popularity in the domestic market. However, it faced intense competition from Chinese automakers like Chery and Great Wall Motor.
The Toyota Yaris, with a sales growth of 7.7%, totaled 194,417 units, securing the ninth position. This model was discontinued in the Vietnamese market in 2024 due to low sales and was replaced by the Toyota Yaris Cross.
Toyota Yaris was the only Japanese car to make it to the top 10 best-selling cars in Europe in 2024.
Completing the top 10 was the Skoda Octavia, with sales of 188,634 units, an impressive growth of 15.9%. Compared to its ranking in 2023, the Octavia climbed up six positions.
| Rank | Model | Sales (units) | Growth/Decline |
| 1 | Dacia Sandero | 274,702 | +12.2% |
| 2 | Renault Clio | 273,354 | +4% |
| 3 | Volkswagen Golf | 230,605 | +14.7% |
| 4 | Volkswagen T-Roc | 221,712 | -1% |
| 5 | Tesla Model Y | 215,851 | -18.1% |
| 6 | Dacia Duster | 210,148 | +12.9% |
| 7 | Volkswagen Tiguan | 204,559 | +13.4% |
| 8 | Lada Granta | 203,925 | -1.8% |
| 9 | Toyota Yaris | 194,417 | +7.7% |
| 10 | Skoda Octavia | 188,634 | +15.9% |
Top 10 best-selling cars in Europe in 2024.
The above overview of the top 10 best-selling cars reveals that European consumers favor European brands. Dacia, Volkswagen, Lada, Renault, and Skoda were among the top choices for European customers in 2024.
Unfortunately, electric vehicles maintained their position in 2024, accounting for 11% of total new car sales in Europe. Tesla and Volkswagen remained the leading brands in electric car sales, achieving growth rates of 11% and 9%, respectively. Meanwhile, Volvo and BYD experienced triple-digit growth.
Is the Hyundai Accent Out of Chances?
The sales gap between the Hyundai Accent and the Toyota Vios has narrowed, bringing an end to the competition for the best-selling subcompact sedan.
The Vietnamese Auto Market Heats Up in the Last Month of Reduced Registration Fees
The final month of the registration fee waiver saw a surge in car consumption among Vietnamese, marking the highest peak since the beginning of the year.
The Electric Vehicle Revolution: A Post-Trump Presidency Outlook
On January 20th, immediately after being sworn in as the President of the United States, Donald Trump rescinded a 2021 executive order on electric vehicles signed by former President Joe Biden. The order aimed to ensure that half of all vehicles sold in the US by 2030 would be electric.
The Chinese Automakers’ Takeover: Eyeing Volkswagen’s Factory
Chinese automotive officials and manufacturers are eyeing soon-to-be-shuttered factories in Germany, with a particular interest in Volkswagen’s facilities.
Transitioning to the VinFast VF 5 Plus: A VinFast VF 5 Plus Driver Shares His Experience: ‘Electric Vehicles Are More Profitable and Offer a Healthier Drive’
According to driver Nguyen Van Thuan from Dan Phuong, Hanoi, the most noticeable benefits of operating a ride-hailing service with an electric vehicle are increased income and significantly improved health.
