SUVs are setting the rules: one in every four cars sold in Europe is now a crossover

The number of new registrations of European vehicles in 2016 rose by 6.5% compared with the previous year, totalling 15.14 million cars sold. This market growth is largely due to the take-off of the SUV segment compared with other categories.

The Volkswagen group remains the leader for yet another year, despite losing 0.8% of its market shareSales of crossovers rose by 21.4% compared with 2015, while the more traditional segments (compact cars, saloons, MPVs) grew by just 2.2% in 2016. Today, SUVs hold a market share of 25.6%, which means that one in every four cars sold is now a crossover. In this regard, it is worth noting that MPVs have lost 9.5% of their market share, while subcompacts have dropped by 0.8%.

The SUV boom has led car groups such as FCA, Daimler or the Renault-Nissan Alliance to increase their sales figures thanks to the wide range of crossovers they offer.

Globally, the Volkswagen group maintains its leadership in 2016 despite having suffered one of the most difficult years in its history. Despite the heavy blow dealt by the dieselgate scandal, the German manufacturer increased its registrations by 3.3% this year. Nevertheless, its market share has fallen by 0.8% in favour of other car groups.

“2016 has been a great year for an industry that has enjoyed its second-highest sales volume since 2007. Registrations on the old continent have shown great form: 27 of the 29 European markets recorded positive growth last year, and 14 of those markets doubled their registrations. I believe car manufacturers are now better prepared to face the challenges that lie ahead,” says Felipe Muñoz, global automotive analyst at JATO.