Tag Archives: European market

News

Škoda Tops One Million Sales, Rises to Europe’s No. 3 Brand

If there’s a quiet achiever in Europe’s automotive landscape, it’s Škoda—and in 2025, the Czech brand decided to stop being so quiet about it. With 1,043,900 vehicles delivered worldwide, Škoda not only posted its strongest sales result in six years but also muscled its way into third place overall in Europe, its core market. That’s not a niche victory or a footnote win—that’s a podium finish in one of the world’s toughest automotive arenas.

Europe accounted for the lion’s share of the momentum, with 836,200 deliveries across the EU27+4 region, up nearly 10 percent year over year. Germany remained the brand’s anchor market, clearing 211,000 sales, while solid gains in the Czech Republic, the UK, Poland, and France reinforced Škoda’s reputation as a mainstream brand that’s finally being treated like one.

But the real story here isn’t just volume—it’s what Škoda is selling.

One in Four Comes with a Plug

Škoda’s sales surge is increasingly electrified. More than 25 percent of all vehicles delivered in Europe were either battery-electric or plug-in hybrids, a year-over-year increase that borders on explosive. That shift pushed Škoda to fourth place among Europe’s EV manufacturers, a remarkable achievement for a brand that, not long ago, was still seen primarily as the sensible cousin in the Volkswagen Group family.

Leading the charge is the Elroq, a compact electric SUV that finished 2025 as Europe’s second best-selling EV overall—and number one in markets like Denmark, the Netherlands, Slovakia, and Škoda’s home turf. The larger Enyaq didn’t exactly loaf around either, landing seventh overall and cracking the top three in several EV-friendly countries. Combined, Škoda delivered nearly 175,000 BEVs in Europe alone, with global electrified deliveries more than doubling to 218,700 units.

In short: this isn’t a compliance-car strategy. It’s real demand.

Familiar Nameplates, Still Doing the Heavy Lifting

Even as electrification accelerates, Škoda hasn’t abandoned the formula that got it here. The Octavia remains the brand’s top seller worldwide, with over 190,000 deliveries in 2025 and a milestone moment—one million fourth-generation units sold since its 2020 launch. SUVs continue to dominate the supporting cast, with the Kodiaq, Kamiq, Fabia, and Karoq all posting six-figure results.

This balance—traditional internal-combustion stalwarts alongside credible EVs—is exactly what Škoda’s leadership means when it talks about “freedom of choice.” And judging by the numbers, customers agree.

India, ASEAN, and the Long Game

Škoda’s growth isn’t confined to Europe. India nearly doubled its deliveries to 70,600 vehicles, driven largely by the locally produced Kylaq SUV. Production expansion in Vietnam and entry into Saudi Arabia underline a strategy that’s less about flash and more about durable, region-specific growth.

Not every market cooperated—China continues to slide—but the broader picture points to a brand that’s diversifying its risk and widening its footprint at the right time.

What Comes Next

If 2025 was about validation, 2026 looks like escalation. Škoda will debut two new fully electric models: the Epiq, an urban crossover aimed squarely at affordability, and the Peaq, a seven-seat family SUV positioned as the brand’s electric flagship. Together, they’ll double Škoda’s EV portfolio and push the brand deeper into territory once dominated by more premium badges.

Škoda didn’t get here by reinventing the car. It got here by doing the basics extremely well—then electrifying them at exactly the right pace. In an industry obsessed with disruption, that might be the most disruptive strategy of all.

Source: Škoda

News

Chery Tiggo 7 Targets Europe’s Family SUV Market with Plug-In Power and Value

The European SUV market is about to welcome a bold new competitor. The Chery Tiggo 7, a compact family SUV from China’s leading vehicle exporter, is preparing for its debut on the continent — and it’s coming in hot. With a sharp focus on value, technology, and electrified efficiency, the Tiggo 7 aims to challenge both mainstream favorites like the Kia Sportage and Nissan Qashqai, as well as budget-oriented rivals such as the MG HS and the upcoming Dacia Bigster.

A Strategic Price Point

With a projected starting price of around €29,500 on the British market, the Tiggo 7 positions itself as a value-packed alternative to established names. This aggressive pricing could extend to EU markets, potentially shaking up the status quo in the highly competitive C-SUV segment.

Though Chery might not be a household name in Europe just yet, it’s no stranger to the global stage. The brand has been China’s top vehicle exporter for 22 consecutive years and has already gained traction across Europe through its sub-brands Omoda and Jaecoo. Now, the parent brand steps into the spotlight under its own name.

Dimensions and Drivetrains

Measuring 4.5 meters in length, the Tiggo 7 comfortably slots into the compact SUV category. Two powertrain options will be available:

  • A 1.6-liter turbocharged petrol engine producing 145 hp.
  • A plug-in hybrid dubbed the “Super Hybrid”, which looks set to be the star of the lineup.

The PHEV system pairs a 1.5-liter turbo engine, electric motor, and an 18.3 kWh battery, delivering an electric-only range of up to 90 km and a combined range of 1,200 km. Acceleration from 0–100 km/h is achieved in 8.5 seconds, and CO₂ emissions are a mere 23 g/km — figures that should prove especially attractive to fleet and business buyers.

Charging is practical and quick: the battery can be replenished from 30 to 80% in just 20 minutes via fast charging, or even recharged on the go by the petrol engine. The driver can select from Eco, Normal, and Sport driving modes to suit different conditions.

Trim Levels and Features

European buyers will have a choice between two trim levels: Aspire and Summit.

The entry-level Aspire trim already boasts a generous array of standard features, including:

  • Dual 12.3-inch digital displays for infotainment and instrumentation
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • LED headlights
  • 540-degree camera system with underbody view
  • Sony six-speaker audio
  • Dual-zone climate control
  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Cooled wireless smartphone charging

Stepping up to the Summit trim enhances the premium feel with extras like:

  • An eight-speaker Sony system
  • Heated and ventilated front seats
  • Heated steering wheel
  • Hands-free electric tailgate
  • Ground lighting from door mirrors

Warranty and Future Plans

The Tiggo 7 comes with a seven-year/160,000 km warranty, with unlimited mileage for the first three years, and includes roadside assistance. The hybrid battery is separately covered for eight years, ensuring peace of mind for early adopters.

Looking ahead, Chery has confirmed plans to bring a larger, seven-seat SUV — the Tiggo 8 — to Europe as well. It will share the same plug-in hybrid system as the Tiggo 7 and target rivals like the Skoda Kodiaq and Kia Sorento. Pricing for the Tiggo 8 is yet to be announced.

Source: Chery International

News

Tesla Struggles in Europe as Rivals Gain Ground Amid EV Boom

Tesla is facing a sharp downturn in Europe, with new car registrations falling 27.9 percent in May compared to the same month last year. The figures mark the fifth consecutive month of decline for the American electric vehicle (EV) giant, according to data from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA).

The decline is particularly striking given the broader market trend: overall electric vehicle sales in Europe surged by 27.2 percent during the same period. While EV adoption is accelerating across the continent, Tesla’s dominance is clearly waning as competition intensifies and consumer sentiment shifts.

At the heart of the issue is the Model Y, once a market leader, which is now struggling to maintain its edge. Despite a recent refresh aimed at reviving interest in Tesla’s lineup, the model no longer commands the same loyalty or appeal. In May, the Model Y was still the top-selling electric car in Europe with 10,357 registrations — but this figure represents less than half of its former performance.

Meanwhile, rivals are closing in fast. Skoda’s newly launched electric SUV, the Elroq, recorded a strong debut with 9,222 registrations in May, underscoring the increasing pressure Tesla faces from both legacy automakers and new Chinese entrants.

Overall, the European car market grew modestly by 1.9 percent in May, with the most significant growth coming from plug-in hybrids and alternative fuel vehicles. Yet, Tesla’s market share fell to just 1.2 percent — a steep drop from 1.8 percent a year ago.

Industry analysts suggest multiple factors are behind Tesla’s slump. Price-sensitive consumers are increasingly turning to more affordable Chinese EVs. At the same time, some buyers are reportedly turning away from the brand in protest over the controversial public persona and political stances of Tesla CEO Elon Musk.

The company’s position in Europe is further complicated by ongoing trade tensions between the EU and China. As traditional manufacturers and emerging brands rapidly expand their EV portfolios, Tesla must now compete on more than just innovation — it must also win back public trust and offer better value in an increasingly crowded market.

While the EV revolution in Europe shows no signs of slowing, Tesla’s role as the segment leader is far from secure.

Source: Reuters