European car sales saw a modest rebound in August, with a notable shift toward electrified models, which now account for over half of all new registrations. The rise in demand for electric and hybrid vehicles marks a significant turning point in the automotive market. Meanwhile, Chinese automakers are expanding their presence in Europe, intensifying competition for traditional manufacturers like Volkswagen. Industry analysts are closely watching whether this trend will reshape the continent’s automotive landscape in the long term.


European new-car sales rose 4.6 percent in August as electrified vehicles topped 50 percent of the market and Chinese brands surged, squeezing VW and other rivals.