European car sales continue to lag behind pre-pandemic levels

Recovery across the continent is slow, but the two biggest manufacturers are cushioned by sales in China and the US

Car sales are still below pre-Covid levels.

Carmakers sold almost two million fewer cars in Europe during the first half of this year, compared with two years ago, as the industry’s recovery in the region falls short of the rebound seen in the US and China.

Registrations rose 13% in June compared with a year ago, bringing the total in the first six months to 6.49m cars, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association.