The automotive industry is evolving rapidly, with a focus on electric vehicles (EVs) and the global market trends surrounding them. In a recent podcast by Autovista24, special content editor Phil Curry delves into the latest news and developments shaping the automotive landscape.
Global light-vehicle sales are facing challenges in 2025, with a modest growth of 1.1% projected, down from the initial forecast of 1.8%. This decline is attributed to weaker demand in Europe, trade tensions, and geopolitical instability. However, the EV market is set to soar, with a predicted 19.8% increase in sales, boosting the global market share to 23.6%.
In Europe, despite a slight decline in light-vehicle sales of 0.3%, there is hope for recovery in 2026. The tightening EU emissions regulations, lower lithium prices, and increasing pressure on automakers to reduce fossil fuel vehicle production could drive faster adoption of EVs. Government incentives in major European countries and the availability of affordable EV models are expected to further fuel growth, with EV sales projected to reach a market share of 25.3%.
In China, EVs are expected to dominate the market, accounting for 51.4% of all light vehicle sales in 2025, up from 44.3%. This surge reflects a growing trend towards electric mobility in the country.
Turning to the best-selling EV models, the European market saw the Tesla Model Y leading the BEV segment, followed by the BYD Seal U in the PHEV category. The Volkswagen (VW) Group also made a strong showing, with five models in the top rankings.
In China, the Geely Geome Xingyuan emerged as the leader in the BEV market, while BYD secured six of the top 10 spots in the PHEV segment. The BYD Song Plus maintained its position as the best-selling PHEV in China, despite some year-on-year declines.
In the UK, the government introduced new purchase incentives for BEVs, offering discounts of up to £3,750 based on the vehicle’s sustainability. However, industry executives have raised concerns about the eligibility criteria, citing potential confusion and market confidence issues. The government has also allocated £63 million to expand EV charging infrastructure, supporting the country’s electric vehicle revolution.
Overall, the automotive industry is witnessing a significant shift towards electric mobility, with EVs poised to drive the future of transportation. Stay tuned for more updates and insights on the evolving automotive landscape.
