EU car sales for alternative vehicles steady in Q4 2017 but alternative fuels vehicles drop

In Belgium, the European Automobile Manufacturers Association said during the fourth quarter of 2016, demand for alternative fuel vehicles (AFV) in the EU increased only moderately (+1.2%), with registrations totaling 168,103 units. Results were diverse among the different vehicle categories. Hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) continued the positive trend, showing double-digit percentage gains during the last quarter (+25.1%) and totalling 76,930 units. Growth in the electrically chargeable vehicle (ECV) segment, on the other hand, slowed down for the first time in 2016, posting a significant decrease (-16.5%). However, it is important to stress that this figure is based on a comparison with Q4 2015, which saw spectacular growth (+160.5%). At the same time, demand for cars powered by propane, ethanol or natural gas (NGV) continued to decline (-8.1%), although at a more moderate rate than in previous months and still totaling 41,536 units. The main reason for this downturn is a contraction of the Italian market, which accounts for the majority of LPG and NGV vehicles.