Goldman Sachs
June 4, 2026
Europe Automobiles May Sales Update
Market ReportEquitiesMacro Economic IndicatorsConsumer Discretionary
European car sales in the Big 5 markets grew 3.3% in May 2026, bolstered by a 50% surge in BEV registrations. BMW Group outperformed the sector while other major OEMs like Volkswagen and Stellantis saw volume declines.
Key Takeaways
- 1.European 'Big 5' car sales grew 3.3% YoY in May 2026, driven primarily by a 50% surge in Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) registrations.
- 2.BMW Group significantly outperformed the broader industry with 6.5% registration growth in May, supported by strong Mini sales and a high BEV order bank.
- 3.Traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) sales are declining, falling 8% YoY in May, as BEV penetration reached 21.1%.
Table of Contents
- Europe big 5 car sales overview
- European OEM sales and market shares
- Europe Macro charts
- Appendix charts
- Disclosure Appendix
Access the Full Report
Get unlimited access to institutional research reports with a 14-day free trial.
Authors
Christian FrenesShivam KotechaMonika Mengting Liu, CFARobert Triulzi
Securities
BMWVOWSTLAMBGRNO
Themes
EV Market DominanceOEM Performance DivergenceMacro-Geopolitical Headwinds
Regions
EuropeFranceItalySpain