Italian automotive market grows as electric vehicle adoption lags

The Italian automotive market saw significant activity in the first nine months of 2026, with approximately 1.279 million cars registered, an increase of 103,000 units compared to the same period in 2025. During a Fleet&Mobility event in Rome, industry experts noted the growing influence of Chinese car models, which have gained favor due to their perceived reliability and competitive price-to-offer ratio. Conversely, the long-term rental (NLT) sector experienced a slight decline, dropping from 275,000 to 273,000 units.

Regarding electrification, Motus-E President Fabio Pressi highlighted that while Italy is growing, it remains behind major European markets in electric vehicle penetration. Pressi argued against temporary new bonuses, instead calling for a stable industrial policy. He identified three key priorities to strengthen the Italian industrial chain and reduce fossil fuel dependency: more favorable taxation for corporate fleets, expanded charging infrastructure for businesses and underserved areas, and concrete support for the electrification of freight transport.