The largest EU car markets in 2025: where the most new cars are bought

In 2025, more than 10.8 million new cars were sold in the EU, with Germany once again becoming the largest market. Find out which countries made it into the top 5 car markets in Europe and where the largest growth and decline in sales were recorded

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The European automotive market in 2025 showed mixed dynamics: alongside countries where new car sales grew at double-digit rates, there were countries with a decline in registrations. In total, more than 10.8 million new passenger cars were sold in the European Union countries during the year, confirming stable demand for cars even against the backdrop of economic and geopolitical challenges. This was reported by Ukravtoprom.

Germany maintains its leadership in the EU market

Germany remains the largest automotive market in the European Union. In 2025, 2,857,591 new passenger cars were registered here, which is 1.4% more than a year earlier. Despite relatively moderate growth, it is the German market that forms the basis of European car sales and significantly influences the overall EU figures.

Germany's stability is explained by high purchasing power, a developed corporate segment, and active renewal of the car fleet.

TOP 5 largest car markets in the European Union

According to the results of 2025, the five largest markets are as follows:

● Germany — 2,857,591 cars (+1.4%);

● France — 1,632,152 cars (-5%);

● Italy — 1,524,843 cars (-2.1%);

● Spain — 1,148,650 cars (+12.9%);

● Poland — 597,435 cars (+8.3%).

Spain showed the highest growth rate among the major markets, with new car sales increasing by almost 13%. At the same time, France and Italy ended the year with a decline in registrations, indicating consumer caution and the influence of domestic economic factors.

Poland, which is in the top 5, continues to strengthen its position in the European car market. Growth of over 8% makes it one of the most dynamic markets in Central Europe.

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The smallest car markets in the EU

Alongside the large markets in the European Union, there are countries with relatively small volumes of new car sales. According to Ukravtoprom, in 2025, the smallest markets were:

● Lithuania — 41,974 cars (+39.3%);

● Latvia — 22,506 cars (+31.4%);

● Cyprus — 14,634 cars (-2.8%);

● Estonia — 13,055 cars (-48.6%);

● Malta — 6,468 cars (-15.6%).

Despite modest absolute figures, Lithuania and Latvia showed some of the highest growth rates in the EU. Estonia and Malta, on the other hand, recorded a significant drop in registrations, which may be due to both economic factors and changes in tax or environmental policy.

What these statistics mean for motorists

The distribution of car markets in the EU is important not only for manufacturers but also for drivers. Active markets usually mean:

● a wider choice of new cars and configurations;

● active competition between dealers;

● a broader secondary market in the future.

For Ukrainians planning to buy a car in EU countries, it is important to consider insurance rules. After purchasing a car, whether new or used, it is important for owners not to forget about civil liability insurance. Civil liability insurance is a mandatory requirement for the legal operation of a vehicle on Ukrainian roads, and it is convenient to do this online, in particular through the Visit Ukraine service, without unnecessary visits to insurance company offices.

We remind you! The Ukrainian car market showed active growth in certain regions in 2025. Read where the most new and used cars were purchased and which models became leaders.

Photo: shutterstock

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