Italy automotive market shows mixed trends in 2026

The Italian automotive and transport sectors show mixed performance through the first nine months of 2026. Long-term vehicle rental saw a 7.1% decline, with 773,114 contracts signed compared to the previous year. UNRAE noted that while corporate and private segments both decreased, electric and plug-in hybrid models are seeing growth. The association has called for tax incentives for corporate fleets starting in 2027 to support the ecological transition.

In the industrial vehicle sector, registrations grew by 3.4% in September, bringing the nine-month total to 21,332 units. This growth was primarily driven by heavy vehicles over 16 tons and road tractors. UNRAE has requested the release of 590 million euros from the extraordinary transport fund to assist fleet renewals.

The used car market experienced a slight slowdown in September, with ownership transfers falling 1.2% to 284,708 units. Notably, gasoline vehicles overtook diesel in monthly market share, accounting for 37.1% of transfers. Hybrid models continue to expand, reaching a 12% market share.

In the Abruzzo region, fuel consumption patterns shifted, with diesel sales dropping by over 22,000 tons due to rising prices, while gasoline consumption increased.