2016 Europe Automotive Sales Research
In 2016, the European automotive market progressed further, building on the momentum from the previous years. The European car market continued its growth trajectory from the previous years, with increased car registrations across many countries. This was seen as a reflection of improved economic conditions in various parts of Europe. The dominance of the SUV segment continued unabated. Many automakers, both mainstream and luxury, either introduced new SUV models or updated their existing ones to capitalize on the demand. As environmental concerns grew and governments provided more incentives, the shift towards electrified vehicles gained momentum. More EV and hybrid models were introduced, and charging infrastructure began to expand. The repercussions of the 2015 Volkswagen emissions scandal continued to be felt throughout 2016. There was an intensified scrutiny of diesel vehicles, leading to a decline in the popularity of diesel cars. Regulatory bodies became more vigilant, and new testing procedures were discussed. Despite various challenges, European luxury car brands like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi continued to perform strongly. Their expansive model ranges and continued innovations kept them at the forefront of the industry.