Crossovers aren't the top choice: the most popular cars in Europe for 2024 have been revealed (photos).

The European car market showed a slight increase in 2024. A total of 12,963,614 new passenger cars were sold, which is 0.9% more than the previous year. This data was published by the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA).

Poland recorded the highest growth at 16.1%. However, key markets experienced declines — in France (-3.2%), Germany (-1%), and Italy (-0.5%).

Sales of electric vehicles in Europe also dropped. A total of 1,447,934 electric cars were purchased, which is 6% less than in 2023. At the same time, there was an increase in demand for hybrids: their sales rose by 14% to 4,047,806 units.

The market leaders remained unchanged. The top three are Volkswagen Group, Stellantis, and Renault Group.

Top 10 leaders in the European market for 2024:

1. Volkswagen Group — 3,407,242 vehicles (+2.5%).
2. Stellantis — 1,969,594 units (-7.3%).
3. Renault Group — 1,282,453 units (+3.2%).
4. Hyundai-Kia — 1,063,517 units (-3.9%).
5. Toyota Motor — 1,006,073 units (+13.1%).
6. BMW Group — 923,202 units (+1%).
7. Mercedes-Benz — 696,907 units (-0.4%).
8. Ford Motor — 426,307 units (-17%).
9. Volvo Cars — 369,689 units (+28.4%).
10. Tesla — 327,034 units (-10.8%).

The leading models have also changed. The budget-friendly Dacia Sandero reclaimed the top position, while last year's leader, the Tesla Model Y, dropped to fourth place. Moreover, for the first time in a long while, there are no crossovers in the top three, with the VW Golf making a return. Europeans are favoring compact hatchbacks.

Most popular cars in Europe for 2024:

1. Dacia Sandero — 270,111 sold vehicles (+14.3%).
2. Renault Clio — 216,569 units (+6.5%).
3. Volkswagen Golf — 216,549 units (+17.5%).
4. Tesla Model Y — 210,484 units (-17.1%).
5. Volkswagen T-Roc — 203,611 units (-1.5%).
6. Peugeot 208 — 199,820 units (+2.7%).
7. Volkswagen Tiguan — 195,297 units (+12.1%).
8. Toyota Yaris Cross — 194,512 units (+10.1%).
9. Skoda Octavia — 182,801 units (+13.3%).
10. Toyota Yaris — 180,806 units (+13.8%).

We also covered the best used cars from Europe priced under $4000.