The new edition of the ACEA Pocket Guide 2025 provides a clear overview of the challenges and opportunities facing the European automotive industry. Despite record investment in R&D of €85 billion in 2023, double that of the second largest European sector, EU car production fell again in 2024, totaling 11.5 million vehicles—750,000 fewer than the previous year—and remaining below pre-pandemic levels. Global sales grew by 2.7% and the European share rose slightly to 22%, but 100% electric vehicles lost market share for the first time, with commercial vehicles stagnating and only buses maintaining strong growth. Charging infrastructure remains a barrier, concentrated mainly in France, Germany, and the Netherlands, which together account for 60% of public charging points in the EU.
In international trade, the European Union recorded a decline in value and volume, but maintained a surplus of €94 billion, with the US, the UK, and Turkey as strategic partners. At the same time, the sector continues to reduce its environmental impact, with CO₂ emissions per vehicle 53% below 2005 levels and a reduction of more than 54% in water consumption, while road fatalities fell by 1.3% last year.
Nevertheless, the outlook remains challenging: slow adoption of electric vehicles, rising costs, a complex regulatory framework, and strong global competition. The ACEA Pocket Guide reinforces the need to create conditions for investment, free trade, and innovation, ensuring the competitiveness of the European automotive industry and the achievement of climate targets.
Check out the full ACEA Pocket Guide below:
