Italian auto market: diesel sales plunge, two‑wheelers surge

In the first half of 2026 diesel-powered cars accounted for just 4.8% of new registrations in Italy – about 64,200 vehicles – down from a 56.4% share (roughly 592,000 cars) in the same period of 2016. Sales now concentrate on premium SUVs such as the Audi Q3, Volkswagen Tiguan and Mercedes‑GLA, while many former diesel models have disappeared or switched to hybrid powertrains. The decline is linked to stricter EU emission standards, higher purchase costs, urban bans (e.g., Milan’s Area B restrictions from 2029) and rising diesel fuel prices.

Meanwhile the Italian two‑wheeler market posted a 13.3% increase year‑to‑date, reaching 228,181 units. Scooter registrations rose 18.6% (31,074 in June, 132,351 in the first half) and motorcycles grew about 8% (17,541 in June, 88,366 in the first half). Electric two‑wheelers surged 63.6% in June alone, with 1,485 units, contributing to a total of 5,376 electric registrations in the first six months. The government has earmarked €90 million for incentives on electric motorcycles and quadricycles from 2027 to 2030.