Sales of new fuel-powered cars in the Netherlands have halved, hybrids dominate the EU market, and the proportion of pure electric vehicles is approaching 20%.

⑴ According to data from the European Automobile Manufacturers Association, new gasoline car sales in the Netherlands in April plummeted by about 50% compared to the same period last year, while diesel car sales fell by nearly 24% over the same time frame. Across the European Union, both gasoline and diesel car sales generally declined. However, overall new car sales still recorded growth, mainly thanks to a year-on-year surge of nearly 38% in pure electric car sales, with monthly sales surpassing 200,000 units.⑵ Hybrid vehicles continued to hold the top spot in popularity in the European Union market, reaching a market share of 38.2% in April. In the first four months of this year, the combined market share of gasoline and diesel cars shrank to just above 30%, while the market share of pure electric vehicles has approached one fifth.⑶ Total new car sales in the Netherlands dropped by about 5% in April, with pure electric models dominating. The Dutch used car dealers association previously stated that, due to the Middle East conflict and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz leading to a sharp rise in gasoline and diesel prices, demand for used electric cars has nearly doubled.