Recently, data research firm Jato Dynamics released the European car sales data for September. The data shows that after experiencing the largest year-on-year decline since the first recorded registration of vehicles in January 2017 in August, the European electric vehicle market warmed up in September.

According to the data from Jato Dynamics for 28 European markets, a total of 212,197 new pure electric vehicles were registered in September, a year-on-year increase of 14%; from January to September this year, the aforementioned European markets cumulatively registered 1.43 million pure electric vehicles, still down 3% year-on-year.

In September this year, in the field of pure electric vehicles, the performance of major car companies showed a more obvious differentiation. Among them, Volkswagen Group performed well, with its market share increasing from 19.8% last year to 22.8%, making it the best-selling electric vehicle brand in Europe. Tesla's market share also increased from 18.2% to 20.9%. In addition, BMW's figure rose from 8.1% to 9.6%, and Geely Auto Group's figure increased from 5.0% to 7.6%. It is worth noting that Geely Auto Group's statistics include Volvo, Polestar, and Lotus.

Geely Auto Group's increase in the market share of pure electric vehicles in Europe mainly relies on the hot sales of the Volvo EX30. The model sold 7,266 units in the 28 European markets in September, ranking fourth on the European pure electric vehicle sales list. The top three are Tesla Model Y, Tesla Model 3, and Skoda Enyaq.

In contrast, in September, Stellantis's market share in pure electric vehicles in Europe fell from 14.8% last year to 10.6%. Apart from Stellantis, the market shares of pure electric vehicles for Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai Kia, Renault Group, and SAIC Group all declined to varying degrees year-on-year. Among them, SAIC Group's figure fell from 6.3% last September to 3.2% this September.

The decline in SAIC Group's market share is related to the poor sales of SAIC MG. According to the data released by Jato Dynamics, in the first half of this year, SAIC MG's single model MG4 sold nearly 32,000 units in 28 European countries, a year-on-year increase of 4%, ranking fourth on the sales list. However, since the EU officially imposed temporary tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles at the beginning of July this year, MG4's sales have been declining. Although in September, with the overall recovery of European electric vehicles, MG4's sales also achieved a month-on-month increase, it is still ranked outside the TOP10 of European electric vehicle sales.

According to the policy passed by the EU on October 4 to impose tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, SAIC Group was levied the highest tariffs, up to 35.3%, and suffered the most significant adverse effects; Geely and BYD were levied tariffs of 18.8% and 17%, respectively; Tesla suffered the least impact, with an additional 7.8%.

Under the EU's "tariff stick," Chinese electric vehicles have encountered higher market challenges in the European market. It is reported that in August this year, the registration volume of electric vehicles by Chinese car manufacturers in Europe decreased by 48% compared to the same period last year, reaching the lowest level in the past 18 months.

However, at the same time, the European car market also ushered in a "darkest moment." According to the data released by JATO Dynamics, in August, 753,482 new cars were registered in the 28 European markets, a year-on-year decrease of 16%, which is the largest year-on-year decline since June 2022; among them, electric vehicles (BEV) registered 125,070 units in August, a year-on-year decrease of 36%. This is the largest year-on-year decline experienced by this segment since the first recording of electric vehicle registration volume in January 2017.

At the regular press conference of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on October 11, spokesperson Mao Ning responded to recent questions about Sino-European trade disputes, stating that the European side should clearly recognize that imposing tariffs cannot solve any problems. It will only destroy the business environment of the EU, shake Chinese enterprises' confidence and determination to invest and cooperate with Europe, weaken the competitiveness of relevant industries in the EU, and destroy the stability of the global supply chain, which is detrimental to others and not beneficial to oneself. We urge the European side to take practical actions, work with the Chinese side, seek solutions through consultations, and avoid the expansion and escalation of trade frictions.To mitigate the impact of increased tariffs, Chinese automakers are also accelerating the adoption of corresponding measures. Not long ago, First Financial Daily reporters learned that SAIC Motor President Jia Jianxu mentioned at the mid-year cadre meeting: "We need to speed up the pace of overseas factory construction, and we must do it despite the numerous difficulties."

Recently, the CEO of Germany's Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Ola Källenius, stated: "We need more free trade, not new trade barriers. It is important to find a solution that is fair for both the EU and China. Negotiations on this issue will take time, and to prevent the negotiations from being undermined, the EU should postpone the implementation of the tariff plan."