The mid-size saloon segment is revitalised thanks to the electric car

The Tesla Model 3 and other models boost D-segment sales. Battery-powered cars also do well among the biggies

By: Francesco Barontini

Oct 29, 2024 at 4:32am ET

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Mid-sized cars - those belonging to the D segment - are not in good health. In Europe, sales of these cars have been declining for years, and looking at 2023 figures alone, the contraction is 24 per cent.

Things, however, are taking a different turn. It is happening thanks to the arrival on the market of a series of electric models that have helped to lift the fortunes of 'averages', which grew by 7.3% in 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.

According to Dataforce data, last year's registrations had fallen short of 135,000 units, while this year, looking at data from the first nine months, we have already exceeded that figure. And electric cars, with 45,273 units, have played a key role in this renaissance.

The saloon renaissance

The fact is that alternatives in the category that are powered exclusively by batteries are increasing. The classic Tesla Model 3, which has recently updated its range, has been joined by other saloons such as the Volkswagen ID.7 or the BYD Seal, and several SUVs, a sector that continues to make its mark.

The new Tesla Model 3 Performance

However, it is precisely the saloons, the classic three-boxes in other words, that are gaining weight, and they are doing so thanks to the electric car. In fact, manufacturers often do not regret making zero-emission cars with low, sleek bodies. It is more aerodynamically efficient, keeps weight down and, therefore, gives more range for the same powertrain than an SUV.

Electricity also grows in luxury

Among the indications from the market data analysed by Dataforce is that electric cars are growing in the large SUV sector. Here too, sales increased by 14 per cent in the first nine months of 2024 and exceeded 18,000 units.

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This is quite an achievement, considering that from January to September, sales of zero-emission cars fell by 2.5 per cent overall. According to Dataforce, however, even in this respect, the market seems to be showing clear signs of a turnaround. In September, battery-powered cars grew by 13 per cent.

It is still too early to say that the electric crisis is over. But from many quarters it is now thought that the weakening of demand is over and that in the next 12 to 18 months, BEV volumes will return to growth with some vigour. September's registrations are an early confirmation.