Global automotive market shifts as gasoline car sales fall below 50%

electric vehicle market gasoline car sales decline hybrid vehicle growth Vietnam charging regulations VinFast motorcycle sales

Global automotive markets are undergoing a significant shift as pure gasoline vehicle sales fell below 50% of total new car sales for the first time in the first half of 2026, accounting for 49% of the market. This represents a 10% decline compared to the previous year. In contrast, hybrid vehicles and battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are seeing growth, with hybrid sales reaching 7.27 million units and BEVs reaching 6.87 million units during the same period.

In Vietnam, the automotive and motorcycle sectors are also evolving. VinFast has entered the top 15 global motorcycle manufacturers for the first time, supported by a growing two-wheeler market that saw an 8.9% year-on-year increase in the first eight months of 2026. Meanwhile, the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade has introduced new regulations, including Circular 61/2026/TT-BCT and QCVN 32:2026/BCT, to standardize electric vehicle charging stations. These regulations aim to ensure technical compatibility and safety, though the ability to share stations between different brands will depend on individual business agreements. The new charging station regulations are set to take effect on July 1, 2027.

Entities

BYD · Honda · Ministry of Industry and Trade · Mobility Global · Nikkei · Nikkei Asia · S&P Global Mobility · Vietnam Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers · Vietnam Ministry of Industry and Trade · VinFast · Yamaha

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 4 SOURCES] Vietnam's Ministry of Industry and Trade issued Circular 61/2026/TT-BCT and technical regulation QCVN 32:2026/BCT regarding electric vehicle charging stations. autopro.com.vn
[● 4 SOURCES] Hybrid vehicle sales reached 7.27 million units and battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales reached 6.87 million units in the first half of 2026. tinhte.vn · tuoitre.vn · www.reporter.gr
[● 4 SOURCES] Gasoline vehicles accounted for 49% of global new car sales in the first half of 2026. tinhte.vn · tuoitre.vn · www.reporter.gr
[● 4 SOURCES] Global gasoline car sales reached 20.25 million units between January and June 2026. tinhte.vn · tuoitre.vn · www.reporter.gr
[● 3 SOURCES] Global two-wheeler sales reached 47.62 million units in the first eight months of 2026, an 8.9% increase year-on-year. kenh14.vn
[● 3 SOURCES] VinFast entered the top 15 largest motorcycle manufacturers globally for the first time. kenh14.vn
[● 4 SOURCES] Pure gasoline car sales fell below 50% of global new car sales for the first time in the first half of 2026. tinhte.vn · tuoitre.vn · www.reporter.gr
[● 4 SOURCES] The new electric vehicle charging station regulations will take effect on July 1, 2027. autopro.com.vn