New car registrations in Europe increased by 16% year on year in April, which industry analytics firm Jato Dynamics has attributed to the easing of supply chain pressures across the continent.  

The number of new cars sold reached 960,191 units across 28 European markets, with growth credited to the increased availability of new models and a healthy influx of electric vehicle and SUV sales. 

“These results are directly related to the easing of supply chain pressures, which has increased the availability of new cars,” said Felipe Munoz, global analyst at Jato. “On top of this, demand has continued to rise in response to the push from OEMs to widen their EV offering.”

SUVs earned a record share of the market, taking 51.3% of all registrations. The likes of Volkswagen, Hyundai–Kia and Stellantis were the month’s most popular brands. 

Electric cars formed 13% of the overall sales volume in April, compared with 10% in April 2022. Volkswagen led sales of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), with 31,900 units sold – a year-on-year rise of 98%. Tesla, meanwhile, shipped 14,200 units, an increase of 865% year on year. 

This follows the news that more than half of all new car registrations in Europe were BEVs in the first quarter of 2023. 

The volume of all-electric models increased by 43% to more than 219,000 units, which, Jato says, was down to an increase in model choice, appealing incentive packages and lower prices. 

EV market share also reached its highest level yet, taking 13.4% of the European car market in the first quarter of the year.

However, it was the Dacia Sandero that once again emerged as the month’s best-seller. The small hatchback notched up 18,695 sales in April, ahead of the Volkswagen T-Roc and Opel/Vauxhall Corsa. 

Here is the full top 10 best-sellers list for Europe in April 2023.

The best-selling cars in Europe in 2023

1. Dacia Sandero, 18,695 sales, +44% year on year

Last year’s second best-seller, the Dacia Sandero has fought for the top spot throughout the year so far. Its appeal is bolstered by its exceptional value for money, which will have resonated with buyers as the cost of living crisis continues to hit across Europe. That it’s also a competitive supermini, with a spacious interior and decent handling, makes it an especially compelling buy.

2. Volkswagen T-Roc, 16,746 sales, +19% year on year

The Volkswagen T-Roc is always a popular choice in Europe and that looks set to continue for the foreseeable future. It ranked third last year, and its sales even outnumber those of the Volkswagen Golf. A recent facelift boosted its interior quality, addressing one of the few criticisms of this well-rounded crossover.