European car sales surge: chinese brands lead the charge

New car registrations in Europe are continuing to climb, with a remarkable 3.6% increase in May compared to the same period last year, hitting a total of 1,152,523 units according to data released by the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA). This robust growth is being fueled, in part, by the rising influence of Chinese automakers on the continent.

Volkswagen dominates, but chinese brands are disrupting the market

The Group Volkswagen remains the clear leader, holding 25.8% of the market share. Stellantis follows closely with 15.5%, and Renault secures a 9.2%. Interestingly, Stellantis (+5.3%), BMW (+3.3%), and Mercedes (+2.8%) are the groups experiencing the most significant gains this quarter.

A chinese invasion: sales figures tell the story

However, these growth percentages pale in comparison to the explosive rise of Chinese manufacturers. BYD is experiencing a staggering 145.2% increase, while Chery, encompassing brands like Omoda, Jaecoo, and Lepas, is soaring at 31.6%. Leapmotor, though, is the true outlier, with sales jumping a phenomenal 552.9% over the first five months of 2026 – a truly unprecedented performance.

Beyond byd: other chinese players making waves

Geely follows in fourth place with a 12.6% increase, and SAIC Motor, the parent company of MG, is showing strong growth at 13.9%. In fact, Geely secured the eighth-highest vehicle sales volume in Europe last month, with 38,146 units. BYD and SAIC Motor closely follow, with 32,380 and 30,527 units respectively.

Shifting dynamics in spain

Turning to Spain, Toyota continues its reign, securing its fourth consecutive year (2022-2025) as the top-selling brand. The Japanese automaker racked up 45,687 vehicles in the first five months of 2026, surpassing Volkswagen’s 32,335 units. Toyota’s growth is impressive at 12.7%, a substantial 5,000 units more than last year.

Chinese brands take the spanish lead

But the real story in Spain is the surge of Chinese brands. BYD has exploded, increasing registrations by a breathtaking 130%, jumping from 7,788 units in January-May 2025 to 17,986 units in 2026. Ebro, owned by Ebro EV Motors (and 40% by Chery), is experiencing a dramatic 294% surge, exceeding 11,000 units already. Jaecoo and Omoda, both also part of Chery’s portfolio, are similarly thriving, with Jaecoo up 35% and Omoda surpassing 10,000 units. Leapmotor, meanwhile, has achieved 1,816 units in the first five months of 2026, representing a 167% increase from the previous year. Xpeng has quadrupled its sales (+330%), while MG, the dominant force in its segment, is down 7.7% year-on-year, despite already exceeding 20,000 units.