The evolution of the average weight of vehicles produced in Europe
- The average weight of passenger cars produced in Europe did not change between 2011 and 2019, whereas it had increased sharply between 1990 and 2010, from 1,020 kg to 1,380 kg. Inovev wondered why this average weight of vehicles produced in Europe had not changed between 2011 and 2019 and had suddenly stabilized. Indeed, with the arrival of SUVs in the 2000s, which now represent 40% of European production, one would have expected an increase in the average weight of vehicles, knowing that SUVs are heavier than sedans of the same segment.
- In fact, several factors played at the same time and contributed to the stabilization of the average weight. Sales of sedans and minivans have fallen sharply over the past twenty years, representing only 45% of European production in 2022 and the average weight of a sedan is now 1,314 kilos compared to 1,296 kilos in 2011. At the same time, SUV sales have increased considerably over the past twenty years, representing 40% of European production in 2022. The average weight of an SUV today is 1,720 kilos compared to 1,685 kilos in 2011.
- The most decisive factor was the shift of buyers from upper-segment sedans to lower-segment SUVs. For example, from D-segment sedans to C-segment SUVs, which have stabilized the average weight at the level of demand. This seems logical as the price of a C-segment SUV is in the same range as the price of a D-segment sedan.
- Finally and on a second level, sales of electric cars have increased over the last ten years and begin to have an impact, even if their production volume remains relatively low. The average weight of a BEV today is 1,730 kilos, whereas there were no electric cars until 2010. The average weight of a PHEV has decreased a lot due to the slippage of this type of motorization towards segments B and C, whereas at the beginning it was about vehicles of higher segments (D and E segments). Finally, the average weight of a thermal vehicle has remained stable since 2011.