Europe's Top-Selling Car Brands in H1 2025: Volkswagen Leads, Stellantis Nears 1 Million Units Sold

According to data from JATO Dynamics, Volkswagen Group leads European car sales with over 1.8 million units sold in the first half of 2025, followed by Stellantis with 1.04 million units. Volkswagen has increased its electric offerings to 28% of sales, while Stellantis has the highest share of combustion cars sold at 83%. Renault and Hyundai Motor Group have 43% of their sales coming from hybrids or EVs, and premium brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz are also transitioning towards more electric and hybrid offerings. Toyota stands out for its electrification strategy with 86% of its European sales being hybrids or EVs.

Japanese automaker Toyota has announced a significant investment in its European operations, marking a turning point in its product strategy. The company will produce its first battery electric vehicle (BEV) in Europe at its Kolin plant in the Czech Republic, with an investment of €680mn ($733mn), including €64mn ($69mn) in public funding from the Czech government [1].

This move is part of Toyota's broader strategy to adapt to Europe's stringent emissions regulations. The company has pledged to achieve carbon neutrality in Europe by 2040. Toyota Motor Europe President and Chief Executive Officer Yoshihiro Nakata stated that the new production line aims to "strengthen our presence in the European market" and contribute to more efficient transport.

The Kolin plant, which has been in operation since 2002, currently assembles the Aygo X and hybrid Yaris models. The new investment will expand the plant's capabilities to produce electric vehicles, further cementing Toyota's commitment to electrification in the region.

Toyota's decision to produce BEVs in Europe is a strategic move, given the continent's growing demand for electric vehicles. According to data from JATO Dynamics, Volkswagen Group leads European car sales with over 1.8 million units sold in the first half of 2025, followed by Stellantis with 1.04 million units. Toyota stands out for its electrification strategy with 86% of its European sales being hybrids or EVs [2].

Toyota's investment in the Czech Republic also highlights the country's growing importance in the automotive industry. Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala and Minister of Industry and Trade Lukáš Vlček attended the announcement, emphasizing the project's strategic importance for the national economy.

In addition to the Czech Republic, Toyota operates seven other industrial sites in Europe, allowing it to bring production closer to major sales markets and optimize the regional supply chain.

References:
[1] https://energynews.pro/en/toyota-invests-e680mn-to-produce-its-first-electric-vehicle-in-europe/
[2] JATO Dynamics, "European Car Sales Data"