Leif Rohwedder from Pixabay
Europe’s automotive market continued its upward trend in April, marking a third consecutive month of growth driven by rising demand for electric and hybrid vehicles. Bulgaria emerged as one of the continent’s fastest-growing markets, according to new data from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association.
New car registrations in Bulgaria rose by 18.3% year-on-year in April, with 4,742 vehicles registered during the month. Only Estonia, Slovenia, and the United Kingdom recorded stronger growth rates across Europe.
Petrol-powered cars continued to dominate the Bulgarian market, accounting for just over 70% of new registrations. Diesel vehicles made up 11.8%, while electric vehicles reached a 9.6% market share. Hybrid models represented 6%, with plug-in hybrids accounting for just under 2%.
Across Europe, total new car registrations increased by 7% in April to 1.15 million units, while registrations within the European Union rose by 5.1% to more than 972,000 vehicles. Demand for electric cars surged by 38%, with nearly 747,000 new EVs registered in the EU during the first four months of 2026, giving the segment a market share of almost 20%.
Strong EV growth was reported in major European markets, including Germany, France, and Italy, supported by government incentives and the arrival of more affordable models.
Traditional European manufacturers such as Volkswagen and Stellantis are increasingly competing with Chinese automakers led by BYD, as lower-cost electric vehicles gain popularity across the continent.
Analysts say the stronger demand offers some relief for European carmakers facing pressure from U.S. tariffs, slowing performance in China, and excess production capacity. At the same time, Chinese brands continue expanding their presence in Europe, with companies such as Geely and Chery Automobile posting rapid sales growth.
Meanwhile, Tesla reported a 47% increase in European sales in April as the company continues recovering from weaker performance in 2025. Luxury manufacturers, however, are facing softer demand, highlighted by investor concerns surrounding Ferrari’s upcoming fully electric model, Luce.
The broader market trend suggests Europe’s automotive sector is continuing its transition away from conventional petrol and diesel vehicles toward electrified mobility./Econ.bg