Best-selling cars in Europe

Total registrations dropped by 18% to 855,281 units, but electrified ownership continued to rise

The European car market suffered additional setbacks last month, with the lowest November registration figures over the last 30 years. 

Total registrations dropped by 18% year-on-year to 855,281 units, according to Jato Dynamics, which has once again attributed the drop to the continued shortages of semiconductors and new cars. 

“Although the market has not recovered entirely from the pandemic, the current problem does not relate to a lack of demand, but rather a lack of supply,” said Felipe Muñoz, global analyst at Jato.

Registration growth is expected to be minimal for the second consecutive year, after a 0.4% rise in 2020. “When you consider the chip shortage in combination with local lockdowns experienced over the course of this year, there is a clear backlog of consumers wishing to renew their cars,” Muñoz said. 

“This delay could have two main impacts: the first being that we see a large uptick in registrations next year if the shortage is solved; the second that consumers begin to adapt their buying patterns, moving toward keeping their vehicles for longer periods,” he added.

Electrified vehicle ownership however did continue to grow in November, setting a new monthly record. A total of 181,300 BEV and PHEVs were registered representing a 22.9% total market share. 

Diesels again suffered, now with just 19% of the overall market share in Europe. “If you want a new car in this current environment, the chances are that EVs are going to be more accessible given the range of offers and incentives available,” said Muñoz. 

Registrations of low emissions cars reached 217,709 units, for a 26% total figure and 41% higher than diesel models.  

The Renault Clio took the top spot in November, as Renault Group and Stellantis once again dominated the top five. 

You can read the full top 10 below.

*The best-selling cars in Europe in November 2021:*

*1 Renault Clio: 16,353, -13%*

Despite a year-on-year drop of 13%, the Renault Clio tops the sales list in November with 16,353 models sold this year. The supermini gained a new hybrid powertrain earlier this year, comprising a 1.6-litre petrol engine and two electric motors.

*2 Dacia Sandero: 16,263, +6%*

Despite a drop in performance last month, the Dacia Sandero has climbed back up to second place this time around. It's still Britain's cheapest car, despite a recently announced price increase. It sports a stylish new look and is even packed with a few features that some would consider premium, including LED headlights and an infotainment touchscreen on higher trim levels. It uses the same basic platform as the latest Clio, and its affordability has no doubt played a huge part in its roaring success.

*3 Peugeot 208: 16,261, -7%*

The Peugeot 208 continues Stellantis' strong end to the year with a third place finish. Its popularity is owed to its extensive redesign in line with the firm’s new design language, becoming the first small car to be offered with petrol, diesel and electric powertrains. 

*4 Peugeot 2008: 16,169, +9%*

The Peugeot 2008 took the top spot off of the Tesla Model 3 in October, but drops down to fourth place in November's sales figure. The stylish crossover remains a popular choice for European drivers. The 2008 has routinely appeared in the list of the top 10 best-selling models, regularly finishing ahead of the likes of the Volkswagen T-Roc and Hyundai Tucson. *​*

*5 Volkswagen T-Roc: 15,234, +5%*

The Volkswagen T-Roc crossover beat the Golf to be the only model from Wolfsburg in the top 10 in November. The small crossover has been on sale since 2017 and its popularity is a result of a versatile mix of petrol and diesel powertrains, as well as the recent introduction of a performance-oriented R model.

*6 Fiat 500: 13,255, +2%*

Fiat’s ever-popular 500 sold 13,255 units in November across Europe, with the new electric variant leading the charge. The EV offers up to 199 miles of range.

*7 Opel/Vauxhall Corsa: 12,831, -30% *

The current best-seller in the UK market is also finding an enthusastic target market across the continent. Its new PSA-developed underpinnings look sure to keep the Corsa in the top 10 best-sellers list, with the new pure-electric version bolstering its popularity.

*8 Citroën C3: 12,455, +5%*

Some positive year-on-year growth means the Citroën C3 moves up in the top ten to eighth place. The model continues the French firm's mantra for producing compact, practical and affordable cars around the continent. 

*9 Hyundai Tucson: 12,408, +104%*

Another month of huge sales growth for the Hyundai Tucson means it retains its position in the top ten as the best-selling large SUV. The new-for-2021 model saw a 104% sales uptick over its predecessor's sales this time last year, continuing its rise as the Korean firm's best-seller in Europe. It's no wonder that it has consistently made an appearance in the top 10 since its launch, because it offers both standout styling and an unusually wide variety of powertrains. 

*10. Dacia Duster: 12,351, +3%*

The affordable Duster props up the top ten for November as a result of its improved refinement, equipment and brilliant value. The model returns to the top ten after several months away with sales of 12,351, indicating a 3% increase over this time last year.