: New car registrations in the EU increased by 1.8% in 2025 compared to the previous year, totaling approximately 11 million units [21].
For those entering the market in 2026, Consumer Reports suggests several strategies for a smarter purchase:
New car registrations in 2025 and early 2026 show a steady recovery, though volumes remain below pre-pandemic levels. new*cars
: The EU's Regulation (EU) 2023/851 mandates a 100% emission reduction for new passenger cars by 2035 [13].
: Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) reached a historic high of 25% market share in December 2025 [21]. : New car registrations in the EU increased by 1
: Advanced safety features like LiDAR and improved Automotive Voice interfaces are becoming standard expectations to meet "Safety of the Intended Functionality" (SOTIF) reports [16]. 5. Consumer Buying Advice
: Traditional fuel shares are shrinking; petrol market share fell to 26.6% in 2025, while diesel dropped to 8.9% [9]. 2. High-Profile 2026 Vehicle Launches : Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) reached a historic
: Newer models, specifically from BYD, allow the car to act as a mobile power station for household appliances like hair dryers or even charging other EVs [15]. 4. Regulatory and Sustainability Outlook