With 134,396 new passenger cars, the number was 19.2 percent higher than in the same period of the previous year, but 23.6 percent below the same period in 2019. For the first time, the share of alternative drives was ahead of diesel-powered cars. The share of electric cars exceeded ten percent for the first time Brand, emerges from the latest data from Statistics Austria.
Even with motor vehicles (Kfz) overall, new registrations increased by more than a quarter, it said on Friday. In absolute figures, 21,609 more new cars were registered in the first half of 2021 than in the same period of 2020 (112,787), but 41,513 fewer than in the first half of 2019 (175,909). From January to June, new registrations in March (plus 177.1 percent), April (plus 98.7 percent) and May (plus 11.3 percent) were above the previous year. In January (minus 38.4 percent), February (minus 5.7 percent) and June (minus 2.3 percent) there were fewer new registrations.
In the case of diesel-powered cars, the number of new registrations decreased (minus 20.4 percent, share at 25.4 percent), while there was an increase in gasoline-powered cars (plus 3.0 percent, share at 40.4 percent). The alternative drives recorded a plus of 168 percent and thus achieved a share of 34.2 percent or 45,926 cars. Alternative drives were therefore more in demand than diesel-powered cars for the first time. The share of alternative drives in 2020 was 15.2 percent (15,972 cars) and thus already well above the number of 2019 (9,242 cars). Of the newly registered electric cars, 16.0 percent belong to private vehicle owners.
More than two thirds of the new registrations in the first half of the year were covered by the ten most important car brands. VW remained the market leader with a plus of 24.9 percent and a share of 16.2 percent. The brands Audi (plus 59.6 percent), Fiat (plus 48.5 percent), Seat (plus 28.8 percent), Ford (plus 21.4 percent), Mercedes (plus 19.8 percent), BMW ( plus 10.6 percent) and Skoda (plus 8.9 percent) were in higher demand. Hyundai (minus 1.8 percent) and Renault (minus 0.1 percent) recorded declines.
From January to June 2021, a total of 208,831 new motor vehicles (motor vehicles) were registered, which corresponds to an increase of 28.2 percent compared to 2020. New registrations of trucks were 83.0 percent higher than in the same period of the previous year. The entry into force of the changes to the Standard Consumption Tax Act (NoVAG 1991) on July 1, 2021 led to purchases being brought forward. Mobile homes also recorded strong growth, with an increase of 128.5 percent in the first half of 2021 compared to the previous year. Statistics Austria reported an increase of 25.3 percent for motorcycles and 13.9 percent more new registrations for motorcycles in the first half of 2021.
The Verkehrsclub Österreich (VCÖ) points out that the proportion of electric cars, at 11.4 percent, has exceeded the ten percent mark for the first time. With 15,347 cars, the number of new cars that run exclusively on electricity has tripled compared to the first half of 2020. More and more manufacturers are bringing e-car models onto the market, which is also increasing the number of new registrations, “because the supply determines the demand,” said VCÖ expert Michael Schwendinger in a broadcast on Friday.
In order to be able to achieve the climate goals, however, the energy transition in traffic needs more speed and increased measures to relocate car journeys to public transport or bicycles, the VCÖ said in the broadcast. It is also important that e-cars do not get bigger and heavier, as was the case with combustion engines, because this also worsens the environmental balance. The promotion of plug-in hybrids should also be ended quickly, as the CO2 emissions here are many times higher than stated on the paper.
The CO2 emissions from electric cars, including vehicle and battery production, are 77 percent lower than from diesel and gasoline cars, writes the VCÖ and refers to data from the Federal Environment Agency. In addition to changing the drive system in cars, it is above all important to reduce the amount of traffic required by the population or to shift it to public transport and bicycles. Strengthening the local supply, home office and video conferences are measures that contribute to avoiding traffic, according to the VCÖ.
The Climate Protection Ministry welcomes the increase in newly registered electric cars: “These figures are very encouraging and a good sign for our environment,” said Climate Protection Minister Leonore Gewessler in a broadcast on Friday. According to Gewessler, e-mobility ensures clean air and quieter cities and regions. The purchase of e-cars is funded by the Climate Ministry for private individuals with 5,000 euros, and up to 1,800 euros are available for the installation of charging infrastructure.
Jane Stock is a technology author, who has written for 24 Hours World. She writes about the latest in technology news and trends, and is always on the lookout for new and innovative ways to improve his audience’s experience.
