Sales of Hybrid Vehicles Surpass Sales of Petrol-Powered Cars for First Time

Overall, new car sales are in decline, with three of the four major markets on a downward trajectory, raising questions for the automotive sector’s future.

A Toyota Auris Hybrid is uncovered at the International Motor Show on in Geneva, Switzerland, March 6, 2018. Robert Hradil/Getty Images

Hybrid vehicles surpassed petrol cars in the European Union market for the first time, according to data from Europe’s auto industry body.

In research published on Oct. 22, the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) stated that total car sales in the bloc in September fell by 6.1 percent from the previous year, as major markets Germany, France, and Italy continue to stagnate.