The European car market suffered additional setbacks last month, with the lowest November registration figures for 30 years.
Total registrations dropped by 18% year on year to 855,281 units, according to Jato Dynamics, which has again attributed the drop to the continued shortage 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 Munoz, a 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,” said Munoz.
“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 towards keeping their vehicles for longer periods.”
Electrified vehicle ownership did continue to grow in November, however, 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 Munoz.
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 the 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 topped the sales list in November with 16,353 cars sold. 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%
The Dacia Sandero remains Britain's cheapest car, despite a recently announced price increase. It sports a stylish new look and even has a few premium-aping features, 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 undoubtedly helped its success.
3 Peugeot 208: 16,261, -7%
The Peugeot 208 continues Stellantis's strong end to the year with a third-place finish. Its popularity is owed to an 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 from the Tesla Model 3 in October, but drops down to fourth place in November's sales figures. The stylish crossover remains a popular choice for European drivers. The 2008 has routinely appeared in the top 10 list, 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 its Golf stablemate 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 reflects the car's 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 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 10 to eighth place. The model burnishes the French firm's reputation for compact, practical and affordable cars.
9 Hyundai Tucson: 12,408, +104%
Another month of huge growth for the Hyundai Tucson means it retains its position in the top 10 as the best-selling large SUV. The new-for-2021 model saw a 104% sales uptick over its predecessor this time last year, continuing its rise as the Korean firm's best-seller in Europe. Its standout styling and an unusually wide variety of powertrains have made it a top-10 staple since its launch.
10. Dacia Duster: 12,351, +3%
The affordable Duster props up the top 10 for November as a result of its improved refinement, equipment and brilliant value. The model returns to the list after several months with 12,351 sales, a 3% year-on-year increase.
