The C-segment represents 35% of the European PC market (29 countries) in 2023
- The segmentation of the European passenger car market in 2023 shows that the C-segment remains predominant, with a 35% market share, a stable figure compared to 2005. The B-segment closely follows the C-segment, with a market share of 32% in Europe in 2023, showing growth compared to 2005 (26%), but remaining relatively stable over the past decade. The other three segments (D-E-A) are much more marginal. D-segment will not exceed 13% in Europe in 2023, in slow but constant decline since 2005 (this segment then represented 16% of the market), undoubtedly due to high prices. This trend is mirrored in E-segment which does not exceed 7% of the European market in 2023, instead of 9% in 2005. Finally, A-segment, while bringing together the least expensive models on the market, has gradually fallen to 5% of the European market in 2023, compared to 7.5% in 2018, 9.5% in 2013 and even 12.5% in 2009.
- Interestingly, it appears that it’s not the customers abandoning these models, but rather the carmakers themselves who no longer wish to sell them due to their low profitability or who price them too high, particularly (though not exclusively) in their electric versions. Let’s also remind that these segments A-B-C-D-E include sedans, station wagons, coupes, convertibles, MPVs and SUVs.
- When analyzing the European market by body type, the year 2023 sees an equal distribution of sedans-hatchbacks and SUVs (both at 50% and 48%, respectively). Sedans still represented 80% of the European market between 2005 and 2009, and SUVs less than 10%. MPVs have practically disappeared from the market (1% of the market in 2023 compared to 10% in 2009). As for Vans (passenger transport versions of light utility vehicles), they remain stable at 1% of the market in 2023.