On October 2, Bloomberg reported that Chinese automakers achieved a record 9.8% market share in the European hybrid vehicle market in August.
According to research firm Dataforce, this marks the fourth time this year that Chinese brands have set a new record in the hybrid market share. During the same period, Chinese automakers held a 9.6% share of the European electric vehicle (EV) market, a slight decline compared to July.
Chinese Automakers Set New Record, Approaching 10% of European Hybrid Vehicle Market Share
Companies like BYD and MG are aggressively capturing the European electrified vehicle market by offering more affordable and competitive products, putting pressure on traditional giants like Volkswagen and Stellantis.
Data from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association shows that, as of August, the number of pure electric vehicle registrations in the EU, UK, and EFTA countries rose by 26% year-on-year, and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) grew by 28%, while the overall car market only saw a 0.4% increase.
After the European Union imposed tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles, Chinese automakers have focused more on boosting sales of hybrid vehicles. However, companies like BYD are also seeing an increase in electric vehicle sales and are ramping up production capacity in Europe to bypass the tariffs.
According to reports from IT Home, car consultancy Jato Dynamics data shows that BYD’s electric vehicle sales in Europe more than doubled in August compared to last year, while Leapmotor experienced explosive growth.
Jato analyst Felipe Munoz pointed out that Leapmotor’s T03 city car is one of the cheapest pure electric vehicles available on the market. “European consumers urgently need affordable electric vehicles, but only a few manufacturers are able to provide them.”
However, Munoz also emphasized that the T03 model is outdated and has basic features, meaning Leapmotor must release new models to maintain its growth momentum. Leapmotor has already started collaborating with Stellantis in Europe and unveiled the B05 pure electric hatchback at the Munich Motor Show in September, aiming to compete with Volkswagen’s ID.3.
BYD also presented the Seal 6 DM-i Touring plug-in hybrid station wagon at the Munich Motor Show, continuing to expand its hybrid product line in Europe.
MG, after facing the highest EU tariffs on SAIC Group, has slowed down its push for electric vehicles. According to Jato data, MG is now focusing more on hybrid and plug-in hybrid models in Europe, with pure electric sales declining by 16% year-on-year in August. Munoz said, “MG wants to reduce its reliance on pure electric vehicles.
