European new car registrations grew for a fourth consecutive month in November, driven by the strong performance of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs).
Registrations of all cars across 27 European markets totalled 1,010,900 units last month, according to Jato Dynamics, compared with 860,700 in November 2021, for a year-on-year increase of 17%.
BEVs performed especially well, growing 30% year-on-year to 172,600 units. They accounted for 17.1% of all cars registered during November – their second-highest monthly market share behind December 2021, when they hit 18.9%.
This was helped by a barnstorming month for Tesla, with its Model Y and Model 3 taking the top two spots for BEV registrations.
Felipe Munoz, global analyst at JATO Dynamics, said: “Despite the emergence of new rivals, November’s result shows that Tesla’s growth is accelerating, cementing its leadership in the European BEV market.”
The brand’s performance was likely boosted by its practice of batch-delivering cars, which causes it to oscillate between the top and bottom of the sales charts on a month-by-month basis.
Despite BEVs’ continued growth, petrol remains the dominant fuel in Europe, accounting for 53% of the cars registered during November. Electrified vehicles (BEVs and plug-in hybrids) took a further 28% of the market, while diesel lagged behind with 16%. The remainder was taken up by niche powertrains, such as hydrogen fuel cells.
Although November was an especially strong month for registrations, it was not enough to mitigate the impact of slow months earlier in 2022. As of the end of November, 10,167,700 cars were registered in Europe during 2022 – a 6% shortfall year-on-year.
November's best-selling cars in Europe
1. Tesla Model Y, 19,169, +254% year-on-year
Tesla’s popular crossover took the top spot in November with 19,169 sales. That represents a remarkable growth of 254% compared with November 2021, when production of the model was beginning to ramp up. The popularity of the Model Y is doubtless helped by its availability: at the time of writing, Tesla claims a two-to-four-week wait for its delivery, whereas rivals are delayed by months.
2. Dacia Sandero, 18,781, +15% year-on-year
The Dacia Sandero climbed a spot compared with October, with its exceptional value for money likely resonating with buyers as the cost of living crisis hits across Europe. That it’s also a competitive supermini, with a spacious interior and decent handling, makes it an especially compelling buy.
3. Toyota Yaris, 17,320, +153% year-on-year
The fuel-efficient Yaris has been a mainstay in the top 10 this year, evidently retaining its popularity four generations into its life. It’s still Toyota’s most successful and biggest-selling model in Europe, and a sporty GR performance variant continues to hold up as one of the finest hot hatches ever built.
Is there a more recognisable small car than the Fiat 500? It’s been on sale since 2007 and it’s unlikely to be dropped any time soon. More recently, the model gained an electric variant with a battery size of up to 44kWh. Range is pegged at 199 miles, but mild-hybrid and petrol models remain on sale if electric isn’t your bag.
5. Peugeot 208, 15,613, -6% year-on-year
The Peugeot 208 suffered a slump in November, having taken top honours last month. Its struggles are expected to have been the result of widely-reported logistics problems within Stellantis – Peugeot’s parent company – which caused it to have a “disastrous” November in the UK. Nonetheless, this comfortable, versatile supermini remains a popular choice, and may still take the top spot for the full year.
6. Volkswagen Golf, 14,908, +119% year-on-year
Now well into its eighth generation, the Volkswagen Golf continues to be one of the top-selling cars in Europe. Although it more than doubled its year-on-year sales in November, it slipped from second place last month, to sixth. The Golf’s latest line-up features pure-ICE, mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, with performance models ranging from the Golf GTE to the four-wheel-drive Golf R.
7. Renault Clio, 14,838, -10% year-on-year
The Clio is Renault’s best-selling car for November and enters this list in seventh place. The supermini has plenty to offer, including petrol, diesel and plug-in powertrains, and its tech has only got better with each passing generation.
8. Volkswagen T-Roc, 14,703, -5% year-on-year
The Volkswagen T-Roc typically performs well, but it has fallen in the charts since it was named July 2022’s best seller. A recent facelift has helped to keep it in the top 10, maintaining its versatile mix of family-friendly petrol and diesel versions, as well as a hot ‘R’ flagship, and even a convertible.
9. Toyota Yaris Cross, 13,282, +56% year-on-year
Much like the supermini from which it takes its name, this compact crossover is making waves in Europe’s top 10. Toyota shifted 13,282 units of the Yaris Cross in November, maintaining its upward course with a 56% increase year-on-year. We like its enjoyable driving dynamics, efficiency and eye-catching looks, but it’s not the cheapest option out there.
10. Volkswagen Tiguan, 12,739, +223% year-on-year
The current Volkswagen Tiguan has already been on sale for six years, but its maturity is no barrier to success. It recorded a remarkable 223% growth in registrations compared with November 2021, beating rivals including the Mazda CX-5, Hyundai Tuscon and Kia Sportage.
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