Global new-car registrations fell 4.9% in the first half of 2026; South America grew 16.9%

Reading the regional differences

ACEA’s regional table (page 7) shows EU growth of 5.7%, South America growth of 16.9%, and an 11.0% decline in Asia. These figures are provisional.

Each change compares a region with its own January–June 2025 result. A higher growth rate does not imply a larger market. Nor can South America’s result be transferred to Panama: they are different geographic areas. The comparison helps explain how worldwide registrations can fall while some regions record growth.

The main powertrain categories in the EU

The EU new-registration breakdown, report page 10, includes these categories:

• Battery-electric cars (BEVs): 20.7%.
• Non-plug-in hybrids (HEVs): 37.3%.
• Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs): 9.8%.
• Petrol cars: 22.2%.
• Diesel cars: 7.5%.

The chart also includes an Other category.

HEVs combine a combustion engine with an electric motor but cannot charge from an external power supply. PHEVs can charge externally and can also use fuel. Counting all of them as battery-electric vehicles would conceal a distinction that matters to station and fleet operators.

Registrations do not describe the entire fleet

These shares use new passenger cars registered during the half-year as their denominator. They do not show the powertrain mix of all vehicles on the road. A car bought in an earlier year falls outside this measure even if it continues to cover miles and consume energy.

For local follow-up, INEC’s transport statistics provide a reference point. Check each table’s year and definition before comparing it with ACEA: a vehicle-fleet count is not equivalent to new registrations.