The downward trend for the European car market continues. Based on data released by UNRAE (National Union of Foreign Motor Vehicle Representatives), 713,346 vehicles were registered in the European Union in November: a drop of 20.5% over the same period of 2020 (897,332). But a more contained contraction than last October.

In terms of volume, this was the worst November result since 1993.

Once again, the crisis linked to microchips and the global shortage of semiconductors are the main causes of a trend in constant decline that shows no signs of stopping.

A negative sign also in the January-November period: the trend is decreasing and the number of registered cars stands at 8,904,900 units, recording a -0.04% compared to 2020, a fatal year for the entire world automotive market.

In terms of registrations in major markets, Germany and Italy continue to record the highest loss in the past month (respectively -31.7% and -24.6%).

Negative situation also for the other big Europeans: Spain -12.3% and France -3.2%.

Among the five countries, the only one to rise is the United Kingdom, which is able to recover with + 1.7%.

As regards the players in the automotive sector, most of them recorded heavy drops in registered volumes. Volkswagen Group remains stable in the first position in Europe with 152,848 units sold, but loses 33.7% compared to October 2020.

A minus sign also for the other groups: Stellantis suffers a decline of -23.5% (151.973), while Renault stops at -12.9% (86.434). Like last month, the only countertrend is Hyundai Group with an annual change of + 20.9% (70,007) and a recovery of 20.4% in 2020, in the period between January and November. BMW (-18.6%) and Toyota (-12.3%) also fell.

Finally, on the power supply front, Italy confirms the low penetration of “on tap” cars (100% electric and rechargeable plug-in hybrids), surpassing Spain by a few decimal places, thanks to pure electric vehicles (BEVs). The Italian share of PHEV and BEV hybrids is 11.7%: one third compared to Germany, half of France and less than half compared to the United Kingdom. With regard to HEV hybrid cars, on the other hand, Italy is still at the top step of the podium, where the drive for conversion is given above all by the incentive of the 61-135 g / km range and independence from the charging infrastructure.