European automakers are adjusting to a changing environment as some brands gain traction while others face difficulties. In April 2026, the EU new-car market saw growth from emerging players, though established automotive groups had mixed outcomes. Stellantis and Volkswagen Group achieved growth, while Renault, Toyota, and others declined. Chinese and South Korean brands also made progress, challenging traditional European leadership.
Emerging Brands in the EU Market
Leapmotor and Chery stood out as key performers. Leapmotor’s registrations jumped by 407.6% in April, though the figure likely reflects a year-over-year comparison. Chery also saw a 267.1% rise in deliveries during the same period. BYD, Tesla, and SAIC also experienced strong gains, with SAIC’s Honda and Mazda models contributing to growth. These brands capitalized on rising interest in electric vehicles and affordable models, attracting buyers away from established European automakers.
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Tesla’s expansion in Europe continued, though specific numbers for the company were not included in the report. SAIC’s partnerships with Honda and Mazda reported significant improvements, showing broader market trends. Honda’s registrations increased by 6.1% in April, while Mazda’s performance benefited from its focus on compact and midsize vehicles.
Difficulties for Long-Standing Automakers
Despite some progress, major automotive groups faced obstacles. Stellantis kept a stable market share, with overall deliveries rising by 5.5% in April to 159,147 units. However, its cumulative share increased by 0.6pp to 17.1%, driven by strong results from Fiat and Opel. In contrast, Stellantis’ Peugeot brand saw a 4.9% drop in deliveries between January and April, while Citroën rose by 9.9%. Alfa Romeo and DS, however, had steep declines of 34.7% and 24.6%, respectively.
Volkswagen Group grew by 3.2% in April, reaching 266,139 units. However, its market share fell by 0.5pp to 27.4%, showing competition from newer entrants. The group’s cumulative share also declined by 0.4pp to 26.7%, despite a 2.9% increase in deliveries year-to-date. Volkswagen’s main brand saw a 2.7% dip in April, while Cupra faced a 4.3% decline. Skoda and Audi, however, offset some losses with 10.6% and 13.6% increases, respectively.
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Struggles for Renault, Toyota, and Hyundai
Renault Group dropped by 4.3% in April, with its market share decreasing by 1pp to 10.1%. The decline worsened in the first four months of the year, with a 7.4% drop in registrations and a 1.3pp loss in market share. Dacia models fell by 15.3%, while Renault’s own brand had a smaller decline.
Toyota Group also faced challenges, with a 1.8% fall in April registrations and a 2.5% decline across the first four months. Both Toyota and Lexus brands contributed to the drop. Hyundai Group recorded a 2.5% decline in April, with its share shrinking by 0.6pp to 7.3%. While Kia saw a 6.1% rise in registrations, Hyundai’s 10.6% slump negated this, leading to a 3.1% year-on-year decline for the group.
Renault, Toyota, and Hyundai were not the only ones struggling. Jaguar Land Rover Group saw a 20.4% drop in April deliveries, while Ford had a 17% decline. Nissan posted a 6% fall in April, and Suzuki’s 13.7% slump was severe. Mitsubishi’s 56.1% drop in deliveries left it with just 0.2% of the market.
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Stability and Small Improvements
BMW and Mercedes-Benz maintained steady performance, with BMW’s deliveries rising slightly and Mercedes-Benz showing modest growth. Both companies focused on expanding their electric vehicle lines, which helped retain customer interest.
Future Outlook
Industry analysts predict that the next few months will see continued competition between emerging and established brands. Used cars in Europe are also expected to gain popularity, with some reports indicating a potential shift in consumer preferences.