For September 2025, the Western European PV market saw promising results as sales were up 9% YoY, with a total of 1.1 million units. YTD sales are now up 1% compared to the same period in 2024, at 8.8 million units. The new US-EU trade deal has alleviated trade policy uncertainty, and when combined with rising real wages and increased government spending, particularly in Germany, the outlook for the region has improved since mid-year. We forecast PV sales will be broadly flat this year at just over 11.5 million units.
Across the region’s five major markets, all experienced growth for the first time in many months. Spain continued to shine as the standout performer, while both Germany and the UK demonstrated strong growth, both attributed to a weak base and assisted by government incentives.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Of the big five markets, Spain recorded the highest growth once again. Germany and the UK both experienced gains exceeding 12%, noting that September 2024 was a weak base for Germany, the UK’s recent implementation of the Electric Car Grant scheme is effectively boosting sales.
France and Italy also grew by 1% and 4% respectively; however, both results were disappointing as September 2024 is a weak base for comparison for both markets. France is grappling with persistent political uncertainty regarding its 2026 budget, which is undermining consumer confidence. Compounding the situation, newly appointed Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu resigned after less than a month in office. Meanwhile, in Italy, sales have remained sluggish due to a weak economic backdrop — moving forward, the market should be supported by the implementation of a €600 million subsidy package under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan.
The Spanish PV market grew for a 13th consecutive month in September. Sales totalled 85k units as registrations were up 16% YoY. PV sales in Spain showed strong performance, surpassing pre-pandemic levels for the first time since the pandemic, driven by significant promotional efforts from brands and dealerships, as well as ongoing fleet renewal plans supported by the MOVES initiatives.
The UK PV market sold 313k units, a 14% YoY increase and the best September since 2020, with YTD sales at 1.58 million, over 4% higher than 2024. BEV sales reached a record 73k units, boosted by the Electric Car Grant.
US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?
Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.
By GlobalDataMeanwhile, Germany’s PV market grew for the third month in a row, with registrations up nearly 13% YoY to 236k units, keeping YTD sales at 2.11 million (-0.3% YoY). Although September’s result does compare to a weak base one year earlier. Over the next few years, the fiscal spending commitments by the government should support wider economic growth, and therefore the vehicle market.
This article was first published on GlobalData’s dedicated research platform, the Automotive Intelligence Center.
