European Auto Market H1 2026: BMW Gains and EV Share Tops 20 percent

The European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) released first‑half‑2026 registration figures for the EU, the United Kingdom and EFTA members. BMW registrations rose 2.1 % to 414,591 vehicles, while its MINI brand jumped 20.4 % to 96,047 units. Audi overtook Mercedes, which slipped to third place despite a 3.2 % increase.

Pure‑electric vehicles (BEVs) reached 1,220,890 new registrations, lifting their EU market share to 20.7 % from 15.6 % a year earlier. Hybrid models remained dominant with 2,198,148 units (37.3 % share). Plug‑in hybrids grew modestly to 577,735 units (9.8 % share). Gasoline‑engine cars fell 17.2 % and diesel registrations dropped 16.5 %, reducing the combined share of internal‑combustion vehicles to just under 30 % of the market.

The data highlight a continued shift toward electrified powertrains across major markets such as France (+62.9 %), Germany (+48 %) and Denmark (+41.2 %).