The average weight of passenger cars in Europe remained stable from 2011 to 2019
Inovev has finalised a comprehensive study on the features of vehicles produced and sold in Europe (masses, dimensions and cylinder capacities). For more information, please click here. Elements of this study are presented here in this Auto Analysis.
The average weight of passenger cars produced in Europe experienced three very distinct periods between 2000 and 2023 (1/2)
- Period 1 (2000-2011)
Weight increased significantly and continuously from 2000 to 2011, going from 1180 to 1380 kg (+200 kg, +17%), although with a sharp drop in 2019, linked to the Financial and Economic crisis of 2008. In 2009, consumers tended to purchase smaller vehicles, a trend that was reinforced by government incentives.
Weight increased significantly and continuously from 2000 to 2011, going from 1180 to 1380 kg (+200 kg, +17%), although with a sharp drop in 2019, linked to the Financial and Economic crisis of 2008. In 2009, consumers tended to purchase smaller vehicles, a trend that was reinforced by government incentives.
- Period 2 (2012-2019)
Between 2012 and 2019, the average weight of cars stabilized around 1,380 kilos. This stabilization is contradictory. Indeed, it was during this period that SUVs developed significantly, reaching 37% of vehicles produced in Europe in 2019. However, the average weight of an SUV is greater than the average weight of a sedan of the same segment. On the other hand, during this same period, for each model renewal, the new model is in most cases heavier than the replaced model. The explanation for this stabilization of the average mass, despite the development of heavier vehicles, is the result of:
Between 2012 and 2019, the average weight of cars stabilized around 1,380 kilos. This stabilization is contradictory. Indeed, it was during this period that SUVs developed significantly, reaching 37% of vehicles produced in Europe in 2019. However, the average weight of an SUV is greater than the average weight of a sedan of the same segment. On the other hand, during this same period, for each model renewal, the new model is in most cases heavier than the replaced model. The explanation for this stabilization of the average mass, despite the development of heavier vehicles, is the result of:
§ A change of mix. This status could be confirmed by calculating the contribution of each “segment-body” (example “C-SUV”) to the average vehicle mass. This calculation is presented through the graph on the right below.
§ The significant effort made by carmakers to reduce the weight of vehicles (see for example the Inovev analysis concerning the engine capacity).
- Period 3 (since 2020): see the following analysis “The average weight of passenger cars in Europe has increased significantly since 2020”.