Nio battery engineering partner TIES and CGDG have launched new 314Ah and 588Ah liquid solid state cells using in-situ solidification to circumvent commercial scaling bottlenecks.
CATL Chairman Robin Zeng reveals solid state battery technology remains at level four maturity as incoming manufacturing standards reshape industry machinery demand.
BYD sales are up 141.4% across Europe, the brand outsells Ford for the first time.
According to Dataforce, the European new car market (EU+EFTA+UK) edges up 3.4% year-on-year in May to 1,130,916 units, leading to a year-to-date tally up 4.4% after 5 months to 5,818,184. ACEA has the market up 3.6% to 1,152,523 for the month and up 4.5% to 5,824,814 year-to-date. Once again Chinese manufacturers deliver the performance of the month, doubling their share YoY with sales up 105.3% to 111,636 and 9.9% share vs. 5% a year ago in May 2025. As a reminder, in May 2025 these carmakers were already up 111% on the year prior so we are really witnessing a long term surge. Among the Top 5 markets, Italy performs best at +7.6%, followed by the UK at +7.1% and France at +3.7%. Germany (+0.1%) is stable as is Spain (-0.8%). Looking at all countries, Malta (+52.7%) is the best performer, followed by Ireland (+38.1%), Estonia (+33.5%) and Slovenia (+20.2%). At the other end of the stick we have Iceland (-27.3%), Latvia (-6.5%) and Slovakia (-6.3%).Β
In May BEVs continue to gain significant ground at +39.1% year-on-year to 268,487 and 23.3% share vs. 17.4% a year ago. Meanwhile PHEVs command 10.7% of the market vs. 9.8% in May 2025 thanks to sales up 13.2% to 123,339. Year-to-date, BEVs are up 31.2% to 1,247,545 and 21.4% share vs. 17.1% over the first 5 months of 2025. In terms of BEV volume, Germany dominates at 59,969 (+39.3%), followed by the UK at 43,931 (+34.2%), France at 37,412 (+92.7%), Norway at 15,210 (+13.6%), Denmark at 15,020 (+37.3%) and Italy at 13,274 (+86.5%). As for BEV market share, unsurprisingly Norway is the champion at 97.8%, ahead of Denmark (78.7%), Iceland (51%), Finland (48.8%), the Netherlands (41.3%), Sweden (41.2%), Belgium (37.4%) and Malta (36.4%). France is at 29.1%, the UK at 27.3%, Germany at 25%, Spain at 10.8% and Italy at 8.8%. Having not yet warmed to the charms of BEVs are Croatia (3.4%), Poland (4.1%), Estonia (5.1%), Latvia (5.2%) and Greece (5.9%).
The Dacia Sandero returns to the YTD pole position.
In the OEM ranking, the VW Group (-2.5%) slides slightly to just under 300,000 units. It is followed by Stellantis (-2.2%) performing similarly and Renault Group (-0.5%), stable. The BMW Group (+4.3%) is the only gainer in the Top 7, accessing to #4 vs. #5 year-to-date. Hyundai-Kia (-10.3%) suffers at #5, as the Toyota Group (-1.7%) and Mercedes (-4.6%) disappoint. In contrast the Geely Group is up 7.9% to #8 while BYD (+141.4%) spectacularly breaks into the Top 10 for the first time at #9. Chery (+243.2%), Tesla (+99.2%) and SAIC Motor (+15.2%) also shine below.
Looking at brands, the Top 4 are all in negative. Volkswagen (-3.7%) endures the largest loss, with Skoda (-0.9%), Toyota (-1%) and BMW (-1.6%) also down but containing their fall. Notably Skoda affirms its newfound ranking at #2 above Toyota, a position it has now held for the past 4 consecutive months. Renault (+0.6%) is stable while Audi (+4%) outpaces the overall market β just. The rest of the Top 11 falls, with Hyundai (-19.3%) and Peugeot (-12%) hit the hardest, Mercedes (-4.6%) and Dacia (-3%) disappointing and Kia (-0.8%) stable. Opel (+5.1%) is encouraging but the biggest lifts are below. BYD (+141.4%) shoots up to a record 13th place and 2.8% of the market. It is now the best-selling Chinese carmaker in the region, outselling MG (+15.3%) for the first time. BYD also overtakes Ford (-27.1%) for the first time and Citroen (-1.7%) for the 2nd time after last December.
The Tesla Model Y is up 68.2% to third place.
Model-wise, the Dacia Sandero (+0.8%) repeats at #1 for a clear win almost 2,300 sales more than any other nameplate in the region. As always its market mix is relatively balanced across Southern Europe, with 30% of its May volume coming from France, 22% from Italy and 16% from Spain. By the same token, the Sandero also reclaims the lead year-to-date, a ranking it also held over the Full Year 2025. Down to #2 year-to-date is the Renault Clio (-30.6%) down to #8 for the month due to a mediocre result at home in France which accounts for 36% of its May sales. In 2nd place this month is the VW T-Roc (-5.7%) with 37% from Germany. The Tesla Model Y (+68.2%) surges to third place and is strong in most markets, 23% coming from France, 18% from Norway and 14% from Germany. The VW Golf (+6%) is solid at #4 with 42% coming from home in Germany.
The BYD Atto 2 ranks #3 for its first Top 10 finish in Montenegro.
Based on data shared with us by our local partner CE Auto, the Montenegrin new car market stands at 398 sales in May, a painful -17.1% year-on-year loss. This means the year-to-date tally tilts into negative territory at -0.6% to 1,859. This month the Renault Captur (+20%) cements its YTD lead with 7.5% share. It is follows by the VW Golf (+47.4%) now #4 so far this year. The BYD Atto 2 storms into the Top 10 for the first time, landing directly in third place. The Audi A6 (#5), Isuzu D-Max (#7) and VW Tayron (#10) also point their bonnet inside the Top 10.
Changan holds 4.9% of the Panamanian market in May.
4,972 new light vehicles found a buyer in Panama in May, a solid 7.4% year-on-year improvement. The year-to-date tally is up an even better +12.7% to 26,689. Toyota (-10.5%) stays ahead in the brands charts despite a painful YoY drop. Kia (+41.7%) overtakes sister brand Hyundai (-1.3%) for 2nd place while Changan (+125.7%) surges to #4, the brandsβs first incursion inside the Panamanian Top 5. Suzuki (+13.5%) and Geely (-3.8%) follow. Below, Jaecoo (+288.9%), Soueast (+214.3%), Volkswagen (+171.4%), Dongfeng (+61.8%) and Jetour (+25.4%) stand out.
Model-wise, the Hyundai Grand i10 (+43.9%) scores a 4th straight win, but once again this is not enough to dislodge the Toyota Hilux (-15.5%) from the YTD top spot as the latter had scored a phenomenal January result (12.4% share). The Kia Soluto (+113.3%) more than doubles its year-ago volume to stay at #2, with the Toyota Yaris Cross (+28.6%) and Isuzu D-Max (+29%) rounding out the Top 5. Illustrating its record performance, Changan places the CS35 Plus at #6 and the Alsvin V3 at #10.
The BYD Yuan Up is the best-selling car in Albania for just one sale.
Thanks to CE Auto we can share with you exclusive data for Albania in May. The market surges 65.8% year-on-year to 1,222 units, bringing the year-to-date tally up a whopping 135% to 5,828. BYD continues to suffocate the sales charts, adding up to 45%+ share for the month. The Yuan Up reclaims the top spot for the first time since last January for the just one sale, toppling the Sealion 7 which however stays #1 YTD. The Yuan Plus completes the podium ahead of the Seagull (+343.8%). The best of the rest is the Renault Clio at #5, scoring its first Top 10 finish since we started covering Albania in March 2025. Also βnewβ in the Top 10 are the Peugeot 208, BYD Sealion 06 and Toyota Yaris.
The Toyota Corolla continues to dominate the Serbian market.
According to data shared by our Central European partner CE Auto, 4,475 new cars hit Serbian roads in May, a fantastic 17.9% year-on-year lift. As a result, the year-to-date volume is now up 14.2% to 17,145 units. The Toyota Corolla (+16.6%) confirms it is the new leader in the country, reaching 6% share which is its best since last June. The Skoda Fabia (+8.7%) surges back into the Top 10 at #2, distancing a sinking Skoda Octavia (-12%). The Kamiq (+8.6%) and Superb make it four Skodas in the Top 5. Notice also the locally produces Fiat Grande Panda delivering a third consecutive Top 10 finish at #8.Β
The Skoda Octavia hits its highest share since October 2019.
The Bosnian new car market edges down -1.4% year-on-year in May to 1,221 units, leading to a year-to-date volume down -0.5% to 5,027, this according to our Central European partner CE Auto. The Skoda Octavia (+54.7%) is more dominant than ever, reaching 13.4% share vs. 9.3% YTD, its highest level in 6.5 years, since theΒ 16% it reached back in October 2019. Skoda signs a 1-2 with the Kamiq (+14.3%) also in great shape at #2. The Toyota Corolla (+27%) rounds out the podium. The VW Caddy soars to #5.
The Geely EX5 is #1 in Moldova for the third time in the past 4 months.
According to our local partner CE Auto, new car sales in Moldova are up a sturdy 11.3% year-on-year in May to 1,070 units. The year-to-date tally surges 25.3% to 4,768. The Geely EX5 repeats in pole position and signs a third win in the past four months, breaking its share record again at 9%. The Toyota RAV4 (-2%) follows far below. As a result the EX5 and RAV4 are equal #1 year-to-date. The Kia Sportage (+13.2%) is up two spots on April to #3 and ascends to 4th place YTD. Three models follow at equal #4: the Geely Coolray, now inside the YTD Top 10, the Skoda Kodiaq (+24%) and Suzuki S-Cross. BYD places three models inside the Top 10: the Seal 05 (#7), Sealion 06 (#8) and Sealion 05 (#10).
The VW Golf is up to #3 in North Macedonia in May.
Data by our Central European partner CE Auto shows a North Macedonian new car market dropping a harsh -12.1% year-on-year in May to just 653 units. This way, the year-to-date volume is off -5.1% to 2,809. The Toyota Corolla (+16.7%) confirms it is the new favourite of North Macedonian buyers with a strong 7.5% share. It is followed like last month and YTD by the Skoda Kamiq (-4.9%). The performer of the month is the VW Golf surging from outside the April Top 10 directly into third place, its first Top 10 finish since November 2024 and best ranking since July 2023. The Golf breaks into the YTD Top 10 as a result. Notice also the Fiat Grande Panda at #6 and now #8 YTD and the Fiat Doblo at #8.
Kia Xceed sales double year-on-year in May, awaiting the new model (pictured).
Data by our local partnersΒ SEMO Cyprus and INNOSOFT shows a Cypriot new car market edging down -1.2% year-on-year in May to 1,312 units. The year-to-date volume remains in stark negative at -11.1% to just 6,111. Kia (+16.7%) defies the negative context to reach 20.2% share, its second consecutive month above the 20% milestone. In 2nd place, Toyota (+36.9%) is in even better shape and progresses to 11.6% share vs. 8.2% year-to-date. Newcomer BYD, launched last July, breaks into the Cypriot podium for the very first time and holds 6.8% of the market. Land Rover (+252.9%) surges to #7 with Renault (+16.7%) and Mercedes (+13.2%) are also solid in the remainder of the Top 10.
Model-wise, the Kia Stonic (-5.9%) reclaims the top spot it holds year-to-date despite a slight YoY loss. In fact Kia spectacularly monopolises the podium with the Xceed (+102.9%) and EV3 (+67.7%) in tow. At #5, the Sportage (stable) makes it four Kias in the Top 5. The odd one out is the Toyota C-HR (+144.4%) up eight spots on last month to #4. The Renault Captur (+100%) doubles its sales YoY and surges from outside the April Top 20 directly to #8. Meanwhile the BYD Seal U manages a second ever Top 10 finish at #9.
Xiaomi Auto shifts its autonomous focus from speed to utility, using high-velocity NΓΌrburgring testing to build real-time emergency traction algorithms for mass-market EVs.
The Smart #2 concept debuts in Europe, showcasing its scalable Electric Compact Architecture, 35.7 kWh battery capacity, and advanced urban safety systems.
Greek Renault Clio sales are up 138% year-on-year in May.
Note: April 2026 data is also included in the data section of this article.
23/06 update: Now with April 2026 Top 262 All models ranking.
25/06 update: Now with May 2026 Top 52 All brands and Top XXX All models rankings.
In April, the Greek new car market recedes -2.8% year-on-year to 14,243 units, leading to a year-to-date tally up 2.5% to 49,055. We bow have data by channel to share, and itβs quite notable. Indeed private sales (=retail) only account for 30% total registrations while corporate sales (leasing, rentals) is at 70% with 10,010 cars. Hybrid models (mild and full) have a 55% share vs. 27% for petrol, 6% for PHEVs, 4.9% for BEVs (693 sales) and 3.6% for diesel.
Strikingly, the Top 4 brands all defy the market with significant YoY gains. Toyota is up 9.1% to 16.6% share vs. 14.8% year-to-date, Peugeot is up 20.4%, Opel up 36.6% and now #3 YTD and Kia gains 28.7% YoY and 10 spots on March to #4. Dacia (+35.8%) also manages a splendid gain at #7.
Model-wise, the Peugeot 2008 (+46.8%) takes the lead both for the month and YTD, unsettling the Toyota Yaris Cross (+32.4%) also in great shape. The Suzuki Vitara (+32%) is up five ranks on last month to #3 while the Kia Picanto (+22.8%) surges 17 spots to #4. The Hyundai i20 (+80.7%), Opel Corsa (+67%) and Toyota C-HR (+66.7%) are the most dynamic in the Top 10.
In May, new car sales are up 3.7% year-on-year to 16,242 units, which is the highest May volume in 16 years: since 2010. The year-to-date volume is now up 2.8% to 65,297. Hybrids (full and mild) represent 56.1% of the market, petrol is at 29.5%, PHEV at 5.9%, BEVs at 5.9% also and diesel at 2.6%. Toyota (+2.9%) remains by far the most popular carmaker in the country with 16.3% share, almost double the #2 Suzuki (+24.4%) which ascends to #3 YTD. Peugeot (-4%) and Hyundai (-6.6%) are in difficulty below but Renault (+78.7%), Dacia (+23.2%) and Fiat (+14.7%) shine.
Over one the models charts, the Toyota Yaris Cross (+52.3%) reclaims the pole position both for the month and year-to-date, with the Peugeot 2008 (+6%) down to #3 in May. The Suzuki Swift (+16.9%) soars from outside the April Top 10 directly to 2nd place but isnβt estimated to crack the YTD Top 10 as a result. The Renault Clio (+138%) and Hyundai i20 (+111.2%) post surreal YoY gains with the Suzuki Vitara (+55%), Dacia Sandero (+19.5%) and Toyota Yaris (+12.6%) also in great shape.