European automotive and retail markets show growth trends

The European automotive market in Western Europe (EU, EFTA, and UK) saw a 5.8% increase in registrations during the first eight months of 2026, reaching 9.19 million units. Despite this growth, volumes remain 15.1% below 2019 levels. A significant trend is the acceleration of electric vehicles; in August, pure electric car registrations rose 52.2% to 243,207 units, increasing their market share to 29.2%. In Italy, battery electric vehicle (BEV) registrations grew by 69.3% in the first eight months, the second-highest growth rate among major markets after France.

In the retail sector, prime shopping center rents in Milan have increased by 8.1% over the last three years, matching Lisbon. This growth is supported by a low vacancy rate of 1.3% in Milan and a limited pipeline of new developments. European shopping centers accounted for 34% of total retail investments in the first half of 2026, the highest proportion since 2022. Additionally, European regional shopping centers saw a total return of 6.9% in 2025, marking the first time since 2017 that capital growth has returned to positive territory.