From Motor1 · Brian Potter · · 1m 20s
Gasoline Cars Fall Below 50% Global Market
Gasoline cars now hold less than half of global new-car sales for the first time ever.
In brief
Gasoline cars now hold less than half of global new-car sales for the first time ever. Pure gasoline vehicles accounted for 49% of global new-car sales in the first half of 2026, marking the first time they fell below the 50% market share threshold. Originally reported by Motor1.
Global Gasoline Sales Drop
Pure gasoline vehicles fell to 49 percent of global new-car sales in the first half of 2026, the first time ever below 50 percent.
Year-Over-Year Decline
Gasoline-only cars sold 20.25 million units globally from January through June 2026, a 10 percent drop year over year.
Regional Shifts
China and Europe saw steeper declines in internal-combustion vehicles than the global average, with sales dropping 26 percent in China and 13 percent in Europe.
Hybrid and EV Growth
Hybrid sales grew 10 percent to 7.27 million units, giving hybrids 18 percent of the market, while battery electric vehicles rose 12 percent to 6.87 million units.
Regional Trends
Europe has seen EVs outperform pure gasoline cars before, with the region adding plug-in share since December 2025.
What's Next
How fuel prices, incentives, and new model launches in the second half of 2026 will affect gasoline cars staying below 50 percent of the market.
In short
Pure gasoline vehicles accounted for 49% of global new-car sales in the first half of 2026, marking the first time they fell below the 50% market share threshold.
