The popularity of SUVs and crossovers has continued to rise in the European automotive market, with these vehicles accounting for over 50% of new car sales in 2023, surpassing all other body styles combined. Here are some key points regarding this trend:
- Market Share: During the first half of 2023, SUVs and crossovers claimed a 51% share of new car registrations, up from 48% during the same period in the previous year. This signifies the growing preference for these types of vehicles among European consumers.
- Top-Selling SUV: The Tesla Model Y, an electric SUV, secured the top position in terms of sales in Europe for 2023, with 138,152 units sold. This represents a significant increase of 207% compared to the same period the previous year.
- Other Popular SUVs: The Volkswagen T-Roc and Toyota Yaris Cross followed as the second and third best-selling SUVs, with 104,465 and 96,849 units sold, respectively.
- B-SUV Segment: Among the SUV models, B-SUVs (compact SUVs) were particularly popular, with a total of 1,133,822 units sold during the period.
- Impact of Emissions Standards: It’s worth noting that while SUVs and crossovers have gained significant market share, traditional vehicle categories, especially compact city cars, have also performed well. However, some experts predict that the trend of increasing sales in these segments, including SUVs, may be affected in the future due to the stricter Euro 7 emissions standards set to be implemented in Europe in the coming years. These standards are expected to lead to higher prices for vehicles, potentially influencing consumer choices.
Overall, the preference for SUVs and crossovers continues to shape the European automotive market, with electric SUVs like the Tesla Model Y leading the way in sales. However, future developments in emissions regulations may influence the dynamics of the market in the years to come.
