Goldman Sachs logo
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