The year 2024 ends with 1,558,704 car registrations in Italy, reflecting a 0.5% decrease compared to the previous year. Despite two additional working days in December, sales dropped by 4.9% compared to the same month in 2023, totaling 105,715 units. These figures underscore a structural crisis, with sales remaining significantly below pre-pandemic levels, down 18.7% compared to 2019.
Electric mobility: progress remains slow
The shift towards zero-emission mobility struggles to gain momentum. Pure electric vehicles (BEV) closed 2024 with a market share of 4.2%, unchanged from 2023. Plug-in hybrids (PHEV) experienced a sharp decline, dropping from 4.4% to 3.3% year-on-year. Overall, electrified vehicles (ECV) accounted for only 7.5% of the market, down from 8.6% in 2023.
These trends raise concerns about achieving the ambitious European emission reduction targets. UNRAE has voiced apprehension over potential EU penalties, estimated at around €16 billion in the first year of the new 2025 targets. According to Michele Crisci, president of UNRAE, the lack of structured incentives, punitive taxation, and insufficient infrastructure hinder the development of low-emission mobility.
Italian market dynamics
In 2024, the private buyer segment slightly increased its share to 58%, while long-term rentals fell significantly to 19.9%. On the other hand, short-term rentals grew to 5%, showing some recovery compared to 2023. Regarding fuel types, petrol cars saw a slight increase to 29%, while diesel dropped to 13.9%. Hybrid vehicles gained traction, reaching a 40.2% market share.
Looking ahead
At the European level, the Commission has initiated a “strategic dialogue” to tackle the challenges of decarbonization and support the auto sector’s competitiveness. The goal is to establish concrete measures to promote innovation, sustain employment, and modernize the regulatory framework. However, national governments must adopt more coherent and continuous policies to support the market for new technologies.
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The 2024 auto market offers insights into the industry’s challenges and opportunities. What’s your take on these developments? Share your thoughts in the form below!
