Car sales statistics 2026 - UK & worldwide

With years of experience in the automotive sector, we’ve developed a sharp understanding of how cars are bought and sold. In this guide, we take a closer look at the UK and global car markets, exploring the latest trends and standout statistics, and what they mean for both new and used vehicle sales.

Car Sales Statistics at a Glance

• Global vehicle sales (2025): 91.9 million
• Global EV share (2025): 25%
• UK new car sales (2025): 2.02 million
• UK used car sales (2025): 7.81 million
• UK best-selling car: Ford Puma
• Largest car market: China
• Largest manufacturer: Toyota

Key Car Sales Statistics and Global Overview

• In 2025, global light-vehicle sales reached approximately 91.9 million units, up around 3–4% year on year, including passenger cars, SUVs, pickup trucks and light commercial vehicles.
• Forecasts for 2026 suggest global light-vehicle sales will remain close to 2025 levels at around 90–92 million units, with growth dependent on interest rates, EV demand and continued strength in China.
• In 2025, electric vehicles accounted for around 25% of global new car sales, up from over 20% in 2024, as worldwide EV demand continued to grow strongly.
• Toyota remained the world’s largest car manufacturer for the sixth consecutive year in 2025, with global sales above 10 million vehicles and around 10.8 million deliveries in 2024.
• In the UK, the Ford Puma was the best-selling new car of 2025 with 55,488 registrations. Globally, SUVs such as the Tesla Model Y, Toyota RAV4 and Kia Sportage remained among the world’s strongest sellers.
• In 2025, the Tesla Model Y remained among the world’s best-selling cars after topping the global rankings in 2024, ahead of petrol, diesel and hybrid rivals.
• In 2025, the UK recorded just over 2.02 million new car registrations and around 7.81 million used-car transactions, marking the first time the new-car market topped two million since before the pandemic.
• In 2025, China remained the world’s largest car market with around 34 million vehicle sales, after recording 31.4 million in 2024.

UK

• The UK new-car market exceeded 2 million registrations in 2025, reaching 2.02 million units for the first time since before the pandemic. 
• Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) increased market share from 19.6% in 2024 to 23.4% in 2025. 
• Electrified vehicles (BEV, PHEV and HEV combined) accounted for more than half of registrations in several months of 2025. 
• Petrol remained the largest single fuel type, although its share continued to decline as EV and hybrid demand grew. 
• The used-car market remained significantly larger than the new-car market, with around 7.81 million transactions in 2025. 
• SUVs and crossovers continued to dominate buyer demand, led by models such as the Ford Puma. 
• Volkswagen remained the UK’s best-selling car brand by volume in 2025.
• 2016 remains the UK record year for new-car registrations, with 2.69 million cars sold. 
• Early 2026 data suggests the market remains stable, with EV growth continuing to outpace petrol demand.

Major Global Car Markets 

Global vehicle demand remains concentrated in a small number of countries, with China, United States, India and Japan accounting for well over half of worldwide sales.

• China:
  China is the world’s largest car market, with 31.4 million vehicle sales in 2024, rising to more than 34 million in 2025. Early 2026 data shows 7.05 million vehicles sold in Q1, with full-year sales forecast at around 34.75 million.
• United States:
  The United States continues as the world’s second-largest car market, with around 15.9 million light-vehicle sales in 2024 and volumes staying close to 16 million in 2025. Early 2026 data shows the market continuing at a similar pace, with April sales running at an annualised rate of around 16 million units.
• India:
  India has strengthened its position as of the world’s fastest-growing major car markets, with 4.27 million passenger-vehicle sales in 2024 after overtaking Japan in recent years. Sales remained strong in 2025, and early 2026 industry data points to further growth, with wholesale volumes rising by around 13% year on year.
• Japan:
  Japan is one of the world’s largest mature car markets, with around 4.42 million vehicle sales in 2024. Volumes in 2025 were broadly similar at approximately 4.3 million, while early 2026 sales remained steady, keeping Japan among the world’s top five automotive markets.
• Europe (EU + UK + EFTA):
  Europe remains one of the world’s largest regional car markets, with 12.96 million new registrations in 2024, rising modestly in 2025 to around 13.2 million units. Early 2026 data suggests demand remains stable, while electric and hybrid vehicles continue to gain market share across key markets including the United Kingdom, Germany and France.
• Electric vehicle momentum:
  In 2025, electric vehicles accounted for around 25% of global new car sales, up from over 20% in 2024, with more than 20 million EVs sold worldwide. Growth remained strongest in China and Europe, while hybrid and plug-in hybrid demand also continued to rise. For a full breakdown of UK and global EV trends, see our Electric Car Statistics guide.

Want to know how much your road tax will be? Check out our guide to the latest VED car tax rates. 

News 

Global Car Sales Return to Pre-Pandemic Levels (2026 Update)

Global light-vehicle sales reached around 91.9 million units in 2025, up approximately 3.6% year on year and the first time worldwide demand has moved back above pre-pandemic levels. Growth was supported by resilient demand in China, steady volumes in the United States and continued electrification across Europe. Forecasts for 2026 suggest volumes will remain broadly stable at around 91–92 million units.

UK EV Registrations Hit Record High (March 2026)

The UK new-car market entered 2026 positively, with March registrations rising year on year and battery-electric vehicles reaching a record monthly total. Strong fleet demand and a broader range of EV models continue to support the market, even as private buyers remain more sensitive to affordability pressures. This reinforces the UK’s position as one of Europe’s fastest-growing EV markets.

Chinese Brands Continue European Expansion (2026)

Chinese manufacturers continued expanding internationally in 2026, using domestic scale and lower production costs to grow market share overseas. Brands such as BYD, MG and others are increasing their presence across Europe, adding further competition in the electric and hybrid sectors.

EV Sales Surge Across Europe (Late 2025 into 2026)

Electric vehicle adoption accelerated across Europe through late 2025 and into 2026, with battery-electric and hybrid vehicles taking a growing share of new registrations. In several major markets, electrified vehicles now account for the majority of monthly sales, while petrol’s share continues to decline. This shift has been driven by tighter emissions rules, company-car demand and expanding model choice.

UK Vehicle Production Under Pressure

UK vehicle production remained under pressure through 2025 and early 2026 as manufacturers managed higher energy costs, export uncertainty and model changeovers. However, planned investment in electric vehicle production and next-generation platforms could help stabilise output over the medium term.

Interest Rates and Affordability Still Shape Demand

Despite stronger headline sales volumes, affordability remains one of the biggest issues facing car buyers in 2026. Higher list prices, finance costs and insurance premiums continue to influence demand in many markets, particularly among private buyers. Analysts expect lower interest rates to be one of the key drivers of any stronger recovery later in the year.

The Impact of Trump's Tariffs on Car Sales

US trade tariffs introduced in 2025 increased the cost of many imported vehicles and automotive components entering the United States. For consumers, the most immediate effect is the potential for higher prices on imported cars, as manufacturers and dealers pass on some of the additional costs.

The United States remains one of the world’s largest car markets, with around 16 million vehicles sold annually, and imported models account for a significant share of total sales. That means tariff changes can influence pricing, supply chains and buying behaviour across the wider market.

Manufacturers with production facilities inside the United States are better placed to limit the impact, particularly those able to source more components domestically. Carmakers that rely heavily on imported vehicles or overseas parts face greater cost pressure.

Impact on the UK Car Industry

The United States remains a major export destination for UK-built cars. Around 100,000 vehicles were exported from the UK to the US in 2024, making America one of Britain’s most valuable overseas automotive markets.

Higher tariffs create risks for UK manufacturers by reducing price competitiveness and squeezing margins, particularly for premium brands that depend on exports.

UK-US Trade Agreement

A later UK-US trade agreement reduced some of the pressure by allowing up to 100,000 UK-built vehicles per year to enter the US at a lower tariff rate.

This offers short-term stability for UK carmakers, although future volumes will still depend on US demand, exchange rates and wider trade policy through 2026 and beyond.

How Many Cars are sold in the UK? 

In 2025, total car sales in the UK reached approximately 9.83 million vehicles, including 2,020,520 new car registrations and 7,807,872 used-car transactions. This means the second-hand market was nearly four times larger than the new-car market.

In 2024, total UK car sales reached around 9.60 million vehicles, made up of 7,643,180 used cars and 1,952,778 new cars.

In 2023, total UK car sales stood at approximately 9.15 million vehicles, including 7,242,692 used cars and 1,903,054 new cars.

Want to know how much your road tax will be? Check out our guide to the latest VED car tax rates. 

Are UK Car Sales Falling?

No. The UK new-car market continued to recover in 2025, with 2,020,520 registrations, a 3.5% increase on 2024 and the first time annual volumes have exceeded two million since before the pandemic.

Early 2026 data suggests the market is still growing modestly, with registrations rising year on year in the opening months and demand remaining broadly stable.

What is changing most is the fuel mix. Petrol cars remain the largest single segment, but their market share continues to decline as electric and hybrid models gain ground.

In 2025, battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) accounted for 23.4% of all new car registrations, with more than 470,000 electric cars sold during the year.

Hybrid and plug-in hybrid models also continued to grow, meaning electrified vehicles now account for a large and rising share of UK new-car sales.

Looking ahead, industry forecasts suggest the UK market will remain close to 2 million annual registrations in 2026, while EV market share is expected to increase further as model choice expands and zero-emission targets tighten.

Used Car Sales Overview - UK

The UK used-car market continued to strengthen in 2025, extending its longest run of sustained growth since before the pandemic and reinforcing the second-hand sector’s importance to the wider car market.

• Q4 2025: 1,818,240 used-car transactions, up 4.1% year on year, rounding off a strong year for the market.
• Q3 2025: 2,021,265 transactions, up 2.8%, making it the strongest third quarter since 2021.
• Q2 2025: 1,996,116 transactions, up 1.7%, marking the tenth consecutive quarter of growth.
• Full-year 2025: approximately 7.81 million used-car transactions, comfortably larger than the UK new-car market.
• 2024: 7,643,180 transactions, up 5.5% on 2023 and one of the strongest annual totals on record.

Used Electric Car Sales Growth

Demand for second-hand electric vehicles continued to rise as prices improved and more stock entered the market.

• In 2024, used EV sales increased 57.4% to 188,382 units.
• EVs accounted for 2.5% of all used-car transactions, up from 1.6% in 2023.

Recent Used Car Market Context

• 2023: 7,242,692 transactions (+5.1%)
• 2022: 6,890,777 transactions (-8.5%)
• 2020: around 6.7 million transactions after a 15% decline

Popular Used Car Colours

Colour preferences remained broadly unchanged, with black, grey and blue continuing to dominate the UK used-car market.

UK Used Car Market Trends

The UK used-car market continues to outperform the new-car market in volume and remains a major driver of overall automotive activity. In 2025, around 7.81 million used-car transactions were recorded, compared with 2.02 million new-car registrations, showing the second-hand market is still nearly four times larger.

Demand has been supported by improving vehicle supply, easing price pressures and growing consumer confidence after recent market disruption. For many buyers, used cars continue to offer better value than new models, particularly as average new-car prices and finance costs remain elevated.

Vehicle depreciation remains an important factor. Many new cars lose a significant share of their value in the first few years, making nearly-new and late-used models especially attractive to cost-conscious buyers.

Electric vehicles are also becoming more established in the second-hand market. Used EV transactions reached 188,382 units in 2024, giving them a 2.5% market share, and momentum continued into 2025 as prices became more competitive and model choice expanded.

As more electric cars come off lease and enter the used market, second-hand EV sales are expected to continue rising through 2026.

Used Car Sales by Quarter (UK) 

2025

• Q1 2025: 1.97 million transactions
• Q2 2025: 1,996,116 (+1.7%)
• Q3 2025: 2,021,265 (+2.8%)
• Q4 2025: 1,818,240 (+4.1%)

2024

• Q1 2024: 1.97 million (+6.5%)
• Q2 2024: approximately 1.96 million (+7.2%)
• Q3 2024: 1,965,811
• Q4 2024: 1,746,051 (+4.0%)

UK used car sales by model 2023

Detailed used car sales by volume have not been published for 2023, but rankings based on registration data is available: 

Top 10 most popular used cars in 2023:

1. Ford Fiesta
2. Vauxhall Corsa
3. Volkswagen Golf
4. Ford Focus
5. MINI
6. Vauxhall Astra
7. BMW 3 Series
8. Volkswagen Polo
9. Audi A3
10. Nissan Qashqai

UK New Car Sales Overview 2026 

The UK new-car market entered 2026 with modest growth, building on the recovery seen during 2024 and 2025. Early registration figures show demand remains close to 2 million vehicles per year, although affordability pressures, finance costs and vehicle-tax changes continue to influence consumer behaviour.

Electric vehicles are expected to remain the main growth driver in 2026 as manufacturers work to meet stricter Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate targets, while petrol vehicles continue to lose market share. Fleet and business registrations are also expected to play a major role in supporting demand throughout the year.

Q1 2026 Snapshot

• 614,854 new cars were registered in the first quarter of 2026, up 5.9% compared with Q1 2025.
• BEVs accounted for 22.4% of all registrations year to date.
• The market remains on course for another year of around 2 million registrations, assuming economic conditions remain stable.

March 2026 Highlights

• 380,627 new cars were registered, up 6.6% year on year and the best March since 2019.
• Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) reached a record 86,120 registrations, rising 24.2% and taking 22.6% market share.
• Plug-in hybrids also performed strongly, rising 46.9% to 49,671 units.
• Petrol cars remained the largest single fuel type at 43.6% market share, although volumes fell year on year.
• The March results reinforced expectations that 2026 will deliver stable overall volumes, with growth increasingly driven by electric and hybrid vehicles.

February 2026 Highlights

• 84,886 new cars were registered, representing a 1.0% increase year on year compared with February 2025.
• Battery-electric vehicles continued steady growth, capturing around 25–26% of total registrations.
• Petrol vehicles remained the largest single fuel type but continued to gradually lose market share as electrified alternatives expanded.
• Fleet and business registrations again provided stability in the market, while private demand remained cautious amid economic uncertainty.

January 2026 Highlights

• 149,279 new cars were registered, up 2.5% year on year.
• Battery-electric vehicle registrations increased strongly, supported by manufacturer incentives and growing fleet electrification.
• Hybrid vehicles (HEV and PHEV) also performed well, meaning electrified vehicles together accounted for a growing share of the market.
• Petrol cars remained the largest individual fuel type, though their share continued to decline gradually as the market shifts toward electrified powertrains.

UK New Car Sales Overview 2025

2025 Car Sales (new) 

In the UK, battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) accounted for roughly 23.4 % of all new car registrations in 2025. This was below the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate target of 28 % set for the year, meaning manufacturers fell short of the target they were expected to meet.

December 2025 Highlights

• 146,249 new cars were registered in December 2025, up about 3.9% compared with December 2024. This marked a stronger finish to the year following some earlier market uncertainty. 
• Battery-electric vehicles BEVs captured a 32.2% market share in December, exceeding the UK government’s Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate target for the first time in 2025.
• Private demand rebounded, with registrations to private buyers rising about 16.0% during the month, while business registrations also grew.
• Fleet registrations provided stability, with business and fleet segments contributing to the overall monthly improvement despite mixed performance earlier in the year.
• December results showed resilience, overall annual demand had been influenced by economic headwinds and ongoing concerns over future taxation and regulation - pressures expected to carry into 2026 even as EV adoption strengthens.

November 2025 Highlights

• 151,154 new cars were registered in November 2025.
• Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) continued to perform strongly, maintaining a high market share despite wider economic uncertainty.
• Private demand remained subdued, with consumer confidence affected by rising borrowing costs and concerns around upcoming 2026 tax changes.
• Fleet registrations provided most of the stability in the market, as businesses continued scheduled renewals and EV adoption plans.
• Industry analysts warned that the upcoming Budget and changes to vehicle taxation could weigh on demand into early 2026, even as underlying appetite for EVs and hybrids remains strong.

 October 2025 Highlights

• New car registrations rose to 144,948 units, representing a 0.5% increase year-on-year. 
• Fully electric vehicles (BEVs) made up 25.4% of new car registrations, supported by a 23.6% year-on-year increase.
• Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) also grew: PHEVs rose by 27.2% and captured 12.1% of the market, while HEVs rose 2.1% and reached a 13.3% share. 
• The combined electrified-vehicle (BEV + PHEV + HEV) segment exceeded 50% of all new car registrations for the second consecutive month. 
• The industry now expects total new-car registrations in the UK for 2025 to surpass 2 million units (≈ 2.012 million), with an expected BEV share of about 23.3% by year-end.

September 2025 Highlights 

• 312,891 new cars registered, up 13.7% YoY – the strongest September since 2020.
• Petrol cars made up 45.2% of registrations.
• Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) accounted for 23.3%, or 72,779 units.
• Private sales rose 8.9% YoY, while business sales increased sharply by 28.6%.

August 2025 Highlights 

• 82,908 new registrations, down 2% YoY.
• Petrol cars represented 45.1% (37,373 units).
• BEV share reached 26.5% with 21,969 units sold.
• Hybrid vehicles fell nearly 14% YoY, accounting for 11.4% of sales.
• Private sales held steady (+0.7%), fleet sales fell 4.6%, while business sales jumped 41.6%. 

July 2025 Highlights 

• 140,154 new cars registered, down 5% YoY.
• Petrol cars made up 47.3% of sales.
• BEVs accounted for just over 20%, and hybrids for 13%.
• Private sales dropped 3%, fleet sales down 6.5%, but business sales rose 10%.

June 2025 Highlights

• Registrations up 6.7% YoY – the best June since 2019.
• H1 2025 sales rose 3.5% compared with H1 2024.
• Petrol and diesel together made up just over 50% of sales.
• Electrified vehicles (BEV + HEV + PHEV) accounted for 48.5% of the market (92,571 units).
• BEVs alone made up 24.8%, with a 21.6% share YTD, still short of the 28% ZEV mandate target.

May 2025 Highlights

• 150,070 registrations, up 1.6% YoY – the best May since 2021.
• Still 18.3% below May 2019 (pre-pandemic).
• Fleet sales drove growth, making up 60% of registrations.
• Private sales fell 2.3% for the second month in a row.
• BEV registrations up 25.8% YoY to 32,738 units (21.8% share).
• Petrol sales fell 12.8% YoY but remain the dominant fuel type.

April 2025 Highlights 

• 120,331 new cars registered, down 10.4% YoY and more than 25% below April 2019.
• Private (-7.9%), business (-10.9%), and fleet (-11.9%) sales all declined.
• BEV sales rose 8.1% YoY (24,588 units), representing 20.4% of the market — still below ZEV mandate targets.

March 2025 Highlights

• 357,103 new cars registered, up 12.4% YoY – the first monthly increase of 2025.
• Strong growth across electrified powertrains (BEV, HEV, PHEV).
• Diesel sales fell 10.1% YoY (20,967 units).
• Petrol sales steady at 176,847 units (-0.4% YoY).

February 2025 Highlights

• 84,054 new registrations, down 1% YoY – marking the fifth consecutive monthly decline.
• Petrol cars: 39,865 sold (-17.3% YoY), 47.4% market share.
• BEV sales up 41.7% YoY (21,244 units), making up 25% of total registrations.
• Tesla sales up 20.7% YoY; Model 3 and Model Y ranked 2nd and 3rd overall.

January 2025 Highlights

• Market contracted by 2.5% YoY.
• EV sales up 41.6% YoY, with 29,634 units sold (21% share).
• Tesla sales down 7.8% YoY, reflecting a wider European slowdown.

UK Car Market Trends

The UK car market continues to evolve in 2026, with demand increasingly shaped by electrification, affordability and changing buyer preferences. After new-car registrations rose above 2 million units in 2025, early 2026 data shows the market remaining broadly stable, with electric vehicles continuing to gain share.

Diesel Continues to Fade

Diesel’s long-term decline has continued into 2026, with diesel now representing only a small share of new-car registrations. Once dominant among company-car and motorway buyers, diesel has steadily been replaced by petrol, hybrid and battery-electric alternatives.

Petrol Still Leads, But Its Share Is Shrinking

Petrol remains the UK’s largest single fuel category in 2026, but its share continues to fall as more buyers switch to hybrid and electric models. Manufacturers are also reducing investment in pure petrol line-ups as emissions rules tighten.

EVs and Hybrids Are Driving Growth

Electrified vehicles remain the biggest growth area of the UK market in 2026. Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) built on their 23.4% market share in 2025, with early 2026 registrations showing further growth.

Hybrid and plug-in hybrid models also continue to perform strongly, meaning electrified vehicles now account for a substantial share of all new-car sales.

SUVs and Crossovers Still Dominate

SUVs and crossovers remain the most popular vehicle types in the UK. Models such as the Ford Puma, Nissan Qashqai and Kia Sportage continue to rank among the country’s strongest sellers, reflecting sustained demand for practicality and higher driving positions.

Affordability Is a Key Market Force

Higher vehicle prices, finance costs and insurance premiums remain major influences in 2026. Many motorists are delaying replacement cycles, choosing nearly-new cars or moving into the used-car market instead of buying brand new.

Fleet Buyers Remain Important

Business and fleet registrations continue to play a major role in supporting UK new-car volumes, particularly for electric vehicles, where company-car tax incentives and salary-sacrifice schemes remain attractive.

Outlook for the Rest of 2026

The UK market is expected to remain close to 2 million annual registrations in 2026, with EV market share likely to rise further as manufacturers launch new models and work to meet stricter Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate targets.

As more buyers move away from petrol and diesel, demand is rising for the best electric cars, best plug-in hybrids and best hybrid cars available in the UK.

What are the most popular cars in the UK in 2025?

The UK’s best-selling cars in 2025 show just how firmly SUVs and compact crossovers have taken over the mainstream market. Practicality, higher driving positions and family-friendly layouts continue to shape buying habits, with familiar favourites dominating the charts once again. Leading the way is the Ford Puma, which has comfortably retained its position as the country’s most popular new car so far this year. Close behind, the Kia Sportage and Nissan Qashqai underline the ongoing demand for versatile, mid-sized SUVs.

Top 10 best-selling cars in the UK:

1. Ford Puma (55,488)
2. Kia Sportage (47,163)
3. Nissan Qashqai (45,296)
4. Vauxhall Corsa (42,761)
5. Nissan Juke (39,210)
6. Volkswagen Golf (36,884)
7. MG HS (34,972)
8. Hyundai Tucson (33,415)
9. Volvo XC40 (31,608)
10. Volkswagen Tiguan (30,944)

What were the most popular cars in the UK 2024?

SUVs continued to dominate the UK market in 2024, but hatchbacks remained an essential part of the best-seller lists. The Ford Puma once again finished the year as the country’s top-selling car, showing that compact SUVs can combine strong sales with everyday practicality. Electric models also strengthened their presence, with the Tesla Model Y becoming one of the most popular cars of any type.

For more detailed information, see our rundown of the UK's best-selling cars. 

These are the latest UK car sales figures by model for 2024:

1. Ford Puma (48,340)
2. Kia Sportage (47,163)
3. Nissan Qashqai (42,418)
4. Nissan Juke (34,454)
5. Tesla Model Y (32,862)
6. Volkswagen Golf (32,370)
7. Hyundai Tucson (32,174)
8. MG HS (30,207)
9. Volvo XC40 (30,202)
10. Volkswagen Polo (28,981)

The best-selling cars in the UK 2023

The 2023 results showed how modern buyers increasingly favour compact SUVs, even when traditional hatchbacks remain popular. The Ford Puma topped the chart, highlighting how crossovers have replaced small family cars as the default choice for many drivers.

1. Ford Puma (49,591)
2. Nissan Qashqai (43,321)
3. Vauxhall Corsa (40,816)
4. Kia Sportage (36,135)
5. Tesla Model Y (35,899)
6. Hyundai Tucson (34,469)
7. MINI (33,385)
8. Nissan Juke (31,745)
9. Audi A3 (30,159)
10. Vauxhall Mokka (29,984)

The best-selling cars in the UK 2022

In 2022, the Nissan Qashqai reclaimed the top spot, reinforcing its long-standing reputation as one of the UK’s favourite family cars. The rise of electric vehicles was also becoming clear, with the Tesla Model Y already challenging established petrol and diesel models.

1. Nissan Qashqai (42,704)
2. Vauxhall Corsa (35,910)
3. Tesla Model Y (35,551)
4. Ford Puma (35,008)
5. MINI Hatch (32,387)
6. Kia Sportage (29,655)
7. Hyundai Tucson (27,839)
8. Volkswagen Golf (26,558)
9. Ford Kuga (26,549)
10. Ford Fiesta (25,070)

The best-selling cars in the UK 2021

The 2021 market was heavily shaped by supply shortages and the global semiconductor crisis. Against that backdrop, the Vauxhall Corsa emerged as the UK’s best-selling car, ending the Ford Fiesta’s long dominance and highlighting the appeal of affordable, efficient superminis during uncertain times.

1. Vauxhall Corsa (40,914)
2. Tesla Model 3 (34,783)
3. MINI Hatch (31,792)
4. Mercedes-Benz A-Class (30,710)
5. Volkswagen Polo (30,634)
6. Volkswagen Golf (30,240)
7. Nissan Qashqai (29,922)
8. Ford Puma (28,697)
9. Kia Sportage (27,611)
10. Toyota Yaris (27,415) 

Brand Performance

Who is the leading car manufacturer in the world? 

Toyota remains the world’s leading car manufacturer heading into 2026, after retaining the global top spot in 2024 and maintaining strong worldwide volumes through 2025.

Toyota delivered around 10.8 million vehicles globally in 2024, ahead of Volkswagen Group in second place. Early 2026 industry estimates suggest Toyota remains one of the few manufacturers capable of consistently selling more than 10 million vehicles annually.

Its strength across Asia, North America and Europe, combined with long-standing leadership in hybrid technology, continues to keep the company ahead of many rivals.

Toyota Car Sales Statistics

Toyota’s success is built on a broad global model range and balanced product mix spanning hybrids, SUVs, pickups and compact cars.

Popular models include:

• Toyota Corolla – one of the world’s best-selling cars of all time
• Toyota Hilux – a leading seller across Asia, Africa and Australia
• Toyota RAV4 – one of the world’s most popular family SUVs
• Toyota Yaris Cross – a strong performer in Europe

Toyota’s early investment in hybrid powertrains continues to appeal to buyers who want lower emissions without fully committing to battery-electric vehicles.

Key Toyota Facts

• Global sales 2024: 10.8 million vehicles
• Global sales 2023: 11.23 million vehicles
• Global sales 2022: 9.56 million vehicles
• Position entering 2026: Global market leader
• Core strengths: hybrids, SUVs, pickups, reliability, global reach

Toyota in the UK

Toyota remained an important player in the UK market through 2025 and into 2026, supported by strong hybrid demand and popular models such as the Toyota Yaris, Toyota Corolla and Toyota Yaris Cross.

The brand continues to benefit from buyers seeking lower running costs and hybrid efficiency without switching fully to EV ownership.

Why Toyota Still Leads in 2026

Toyota’s continued dominance shows that large-scale hybrid adoption remains a powerful route to lower-emission motoring, even as battery-electric-only brands and Chinese manufacturers expand rapidly in global markets.

BMW remains one of the world’s leading premium car brands heading into 2026, combining strong global demand with rapid progress in electrification. While overall deliveries eased slightly after the company’s record 2023 performance, BMW continued to grow electric vehicle sales in 2024, reinforcing its long-term transition toward lower-emission models.

China, the United States and Europe remain BMW’s three most important markets, with China continuing to account for a substantial share of worldwide sales.

BMW Global Performance

BMW delivered around 2.2 million vehicles worldwide in 2024, a modest decline on its record 2,253,835 sales in 2023, but still one of the strongest results in the premium automotive sector.

Electric vehicles are becoming an increasingly important part of BMW’s global success. In 2024, the company delivered 593,215 fully electric vehicles, up from 566,486 in 2023.

Popular BMW models include:

• BMW 3 Series
• BMW X1
• BMW X3
• BMW i4
• BMW iX1

BMW in the UK

BMW remained one of the UK’s strongest premium manufacturers through 2025 and into 2026. The brand continues to perform well thanks to demand for SUVs, company cars and electric models.

In 2025, BMW sold approximately 122,723 new cars in the UK, making it one of the country’s best-selling brands overall.

Its fully electric models, including the BMW i4 and BMW iX1, have helped the company strengthen its position as EV demand rises.

MINI Brand Performance

MINI, part of BMW Group, recorded 244,915 global sales in 2024, down from 295,474 in 2023, as the brand transitioned to a new generation of electric and hybrid models.

The refreshed MINI line-up is expected to support stronger growth through 2026.

Key BMW Facts

• Global sales 2024: ~2.2 million vehicles
• Global sales 2023: 2,253,835 vehicles (record year)
• Global EV deliveries 2024: 593,215
• Global EV deliveries 2023: 566,486
• UK sales 2025: 122,723 vehicles
• Core strengths: premium cars, SUVs, EV growth, fleet demand

Why BMW Remains Strong in 2026

BMW’s continued success reflects its ability to balance premium brand appeal with practical electrification. Unlike some rivals, it has grown EV sales while maintaining strong demand for petrol, hybrid and performance models across global markets.

Chevrolet Car Sales Statistics

Chevrolet remains one of the largest volume car brands in the Americas heading into 2026, with particularly strong demand in the United States, Brazil, Mexico and Canada.

Chevrolet’s performance is closely tied to General Motors, which sold around 2.7 million vehicles globally in 2024.

Chevrolet in the United States

The United States remains Chevrolet’s largest market by far.

• Chevrolet US sales (2023): 1,702,700 vehicles
• Best-ever US year: 2,584,509 vehicles (2005)
• Chevrolet Silverado remains one of America’s best-selling vehicles annually.
• Chevrolet continues to rank among the top-selling mainstream brands in the US market.

SUVs such as the Chevrolet Equinox and Chevrolet Traverse also remain major contributors.

Chevrolet Outside the US

Chevrolet also performs strongly across Latin America.

• Brazil sales (2023): 327,781
• Mexico sales (2023): 172,066
• Canada sales (2023): 135,484
• Canada growth: +18.4% year on year
• Argentina sales (2023): 30,437
• Colombia sales (2023): 23,241
• Chile sales (2023): 18,861

Brazil remains Chevrolet’s largest market outside North America.

Key Chevrolet Models

• Chevrolet Silverado
• Chevrolet Equinox
• Chevrolet Tracker
• Chevrolet Onix

Why Chevrolet Still Matters in 2026

Chevrolet’s continued strength comes from pickups, SUVs and accessible pricing. While some global rivals focus heavily on premium EV growth, Chevrolet remains a major force among mainstream buyers across the Americas.

Tesla Car Sales Statistics

Tesla remains the world’s most recognisable pure-electric car brand heading into 2026, but growth has become more uneven across major markets as competition intensifies and the wider EV market matures.

While Tesla continues to be one of the world’s largest EV manufacturers, its dominance is being challenged by rivals in China, Europe and North America. In particular, BYD has become a major force in global electric vehicle sales.

Tesla Global Performance

Tesla’s sales continue to be driven overwhelmingly by two models:

• Tesla Model Y
• Tesla Model 3

Together, these account for the vast majority of Tesla’s worldwide deliveries.

The Tesla Model Y remained one of the world’s best-selling cars in 2024 and continued to rank among the strongest global sellers through 2025.

However, increased price competition, reduced incentives in some countries and a wider choice of EV alternatives have made Tesla’s market position more competitive than in previous years.

Tesla in the United States

The United States remains Tesla’s largest single market.

• Tesla US sales (2023): 654,888 vehicles
• Model Y: 394,497
• Model 3: 220,910
• Model X: 23,015
• Model S: 16,466

Tesla remains a leading EV brand in America, although registrations softened in parts of 2025 as rival EV volumes increased.

Tesla in China

China remains one of Tesla’s most important global markets.

• Tesla China sales (2023): 603,304 vehicles
• BYD China BEV sales (2023): 1,262,065 vehicles

Tesla continues to benefit from local production in Shanghai, but faces intense competition from Chinese brands offering lower-cost EVs and rapid model launches.

Tesla in the UK

Tesla remained a significant EV player in the UK through 2025, although volumes softened slightly as the market became more competitive.

• UK sales (2025): approximately 47,000+ vehicles
• Earlier 2025 YTD market share: 2.01%
• Demand remained led by the Tesla Model Y and Tesla Model 3.

Key Tesla Facts

• Largest markets: United States, China, Europe
• Core models: Model Y, Model 3
• Brand strength: EV recognition, charging network, software ecosystem
• Main challenge in 2026: growing global competition

Why Tesla Still Matters in 2026

Tesla remains one of the most influential companies in the global car market. While its market share is under pressure, it continues to shape EV pricing, charging infrastructure and consumer expectations worldwide.

Electric and Hybrid Cars Sales Statistics

Electric and hybrid vehicles are now firmly established in the global car market, having moved well beyond early adoption and into the mainstream. Across the UK, Europe, China and the United States, manufacturers and governments continue pushing electrification through emissions rules, incentives and long-term phase-out plans for new petrol and diesel cars.

UK Electric Car Growth

The UK has seen rapid growth in electric vehicle adoption over the past decade.

• 2014: 2.2% of new-car sales were fully electric
• 2022: 16.6%
• 2024: 19.6%
• 2025: 23.4% of all new registrations were battery-electric vehicles (BEVs)

Hybrid and plug-in hybrid models also continued to grow strongly, meaning electrified vehicles (BEV, HEV and PHEV combined) regularly accounted for more than half of monthly UK new-car registrations during 2025.

Early 2026 data suggests EV momentum is continuing, with March recording another strong month for battery-electric registrations.

Global EV Sales

Electric vehicle demand continued rising worldwide.

• 2024: more than 17 million EVs sold globally
• 2025: global EV sales estimated to exceed 20 million units for the first time
• 2025 global EV share: around 25% of all new-car sales

China remained the largest EV market globally, while Europe and the United States continued to grow through a mix of BEV, plug-in hybrid and hybrid demand.

UK Market Breakdown

2025 UK New-Car Fuel Mix

• BEVs: 23.4%
• PHEVs: 11.3%
• HEVs: 13.8%
• Total electrified share: 48.5%

That means almost one in every two new cars registered in the UK in 2025 had some form of electrified powertrain.

International EV and Hybrid Trends

Electrification is progressing at different speeds across major markets:

• China: the world’s largest EV market, with electric and hybrid vehicles accounting for a growing share of sales
• Europe: hybrids and EVs now represent a major share of registrations across many countries
• United States: EV adoption continues to rise, although more gradually than China and parts of Europe
• Japan: hybrids remain dominant, with Toyota and other domestic brands leading demand

For more information and the latest EV statistics, visit this Electric Car Statistics page.

What percentage of new car sales are electric?

In 2024, 19.6% of new cars sold in the UK were fully electric.
In 2025, BEV market share is tracking closer to 23–24%, while electrified vehicles overall regularly exceed 50% of monthly registrations.

What is the best-selling electric car in the UK?

he Tesla Model Y was the UK’s best-selling electric car in 2024 with 32,862 registrations. It was followed by:

• Audi Q4 e-tron – 17,622
• Tesla Model 3 – 17,425
• MG4 – 15,651
• BMW i4 – 12,953

The Model Y has remained among the top-selling EVs again in 2025, reflecting continued demand for compact electric SUVs.

International Car Sales Statistics

Global car demand remained resilient through 2025 and into 2026, with China, the United States, Europe and India continuing to dominate worldwide vehicle sales. Electrification is also reshaping many major markets, although adoption rates still vary significantly by country.

Global Market Snapshot

• China remained the world’s largest car market in 2025, with annual sales of around 34 million vehicles, up from 31.4 million in 2024.
• The United States remained the second-largest market, with light-vehicle sales close to 16 million units in both 2024 and 2025.
• India strengthened its position as the world’s third-largest market, with passenger-vehicle sales above 4.3 million in 2025 after record volumes in 2024.
• Europe (EU + UK + EFTA) remained one of the world’s largest regional markets, with combined registrations of roughly 13 million vehicles in 2025.
• Brazil, Mexico, Canada, Australia and Japan all remained important mid-sized automotive markets with stable demand.

Car Sales in Europe

Europe remained a major automotive region in 2025, although growth was modest as higher interest rates and weaker consumer confidence weighed on demand.

• EU new-car registrations totalled 10.6 million in 2024, up slightly year on year.
• Full-year 2025 volumes were broadly stable at around 10.7 million units.
• Petrol and diesel market share continued to decline as hybrid and electric models gained ground.
• Hybrids became one of Europe’s fastest-growing powertrains, while BEVs remained strong in markets such as the UK, Norway and the Netherlands.
• Early 2026 data suggests the market remains steady rather than booming.

US Car Sales Statistics

The United States remains one of the most profitable and influential automotive markets in the world.

• US light-vehicle sales reached around 15.9 million in 2024.
• Full-year 2025 volumes remained close to 16 million units.
• SUVs and pickup trucks continued to dominate buyer demand.
• Brands such as Ford, Chevrolet, Toyota and Honda remained top sellers.
• Early 2026 sales have continued at a similar pace, with affordability and interest rates key factors.

What Percentage of US Car Sales Are Electric?

• EV sales passed 1 million units in 2023 for the first time.
• In 2024, EVs accounted for roughly 10% of US new-vehicle sales, with around 1.56 million electric vehicles sold.
• In 2025, EV share remained close to 10%, with hybrids also growing strongly.

China Car Sales Statistics

China remains the most important car market globally by volume and EV adoption.

• 2024: 31.4 million vehicle sales
• 2025: around 34 million vehicle sales
• Q1 2026: approximately 7.05 million vehicles sold
• China is also the world leader in electric vehicle sales.
• Domestic brands such as BYD continue to grow rapidly.
• Tesla remains significant in China but faces intense local competition.

Germany Car Sales Statistics

Germany remains Europe’s largest single-country automotive market.

• 2024: 2,817,331 new passenger-car registrations
• Petrol remained the largest powertrain category.
• BEV registrations softened after subsidy changes, accounting for 13.5% of the market.
• Plug-in hybrids recovered modestly.
• Early 2026 data suggests gradual stabilisation.

Australia Car Sales Statistics

Australia recorded another strong year for new-vehicle demand.

• 2024: 1,237,287 new vehicles sold, a new record.
• Toyota remained the top-selling brand.
• EV market share approached 10%.
• SUVs and utes remained the most popular vehicle types.
• The Tesla Model Y was among the country’s most popular EVs.

Canada Car Sales Statistics

Canada remains a stable North American market strongly influenced by SUV demand.

• SUVs and light trucks made up around 63% of registrations in 2024.
• Toyota, Ford, Chevrolet and Honda remained strong performers.
• EV adoption continued rising, particularly in Quebec and British Columbia.

New Zealand Car Sales Statistics

• 2024: 128,828 new vehicles registered, down from 2023.
• Toyota remained market leader.
• EV and plug-in hybrid share improved through 2025.
• SUVs and utes remained dominant body styles.

Ireland Car Sales Statistics

• 2024: 121,195 new vehicles registered.
• Petrol remained the largest fuel type.
• Hybrid demand continued to rise strongly.
• BEV volumes softened slightly after earlier rapid growth.
• Electrified vehicles accounted for a growing share of the market.

South Africa Car Sales Statistics

• 2024: 515,712 new vehicles registered.
• Pickup trucks and value-focused passenger cars remained popular.
• EV and hybrid adoption remains low but is gradually increasing.

Singapore Car Sales Statistics

Singapore saw strong growth in 2024 due to COE cycles and replacement demand.

• 43,022 new car registrations in 2024.
• BYD became the best-selling brand.
• Toyota remained close behind.
• Tesla also increased registrations.

India Car Sales Statistics

India remains one of the fastest-growing major car markets.

• Passenger-vehicle sales remained above 4 million annually through 2025.
• Maruti Suzuki remained dominant.
• SUVs continued to gain market share rapidly.
• Petrol remained the most common fuel type, with hybrids and EVs gradually expanding.

France Car Sales Statistics

France remains one of Europe’s five largest car markets.

• 2024: approximately 1.72 million new passenger-car registrations.
• Renault, Peugeot and Dacia remained leading brands.
• Fully electric vehicles accounted for roughly 17% of new sales.
• The market softened during 2025, although EV share continued to rise gradually.

International Car Market Trends for 2026

• China continues to drive global growth.
• The US market remains strong but price-sensitive.
• Europe is stable, with hybrids outperforming petrol and diesel.
• India remains the fastest-growing large market.
• EV growth continues globally, but at different speeds depending on incentives, infrastructure and pricing.