Global Market Slowdowns and Changing Demand

J.D. Power & GlobalData report overall new-vehicle sales down in November

• Total new-vehicle sales for November 2025 are forecast at around 1.256 million units, marking a 5.2% drop compared to November 2024.
• Retail sales are estimated at about 1.0585 million units, a 4.8% decline year-over-year.
• The drop reflects slowdown in demand after the wave of EV purchases earlier in the year — many buyers acted before EV incentives expired.

U.S. buyers facing “EV winter”

• With the expiration of federal EV tax credits and rising prices, U.S. automakers are reporting a slump in electric vehicle sales. Some firms are laying off staff and delaying EV projects.
• Overall consumer sentiment toward high car prices and inflation is pushing many buyers toward used cars or delaying purchases.

🚗 Regional & Brand-Specific Trends

Decline in registration: Tesla UK falls 19% in November 2025

• Tesla’s UK car registrations dropped to 3,784 vehicles — down 19% from 4,680 the previous year.
• The decline comes after a 50% fall in October and reflects intensifying competition from more affordable EVs by Chinese and legacy automakers.

Mixed month in Europe’s new-car market

• According to data from SMMT, the UK’s overall new-car market fell about 1% in November 2025.
• Despite the overall dip, electrified vehicles (EVs + hybrids) accounted for over 50% of total sales — the third consecutive month achieving that penetration — though growth in EV adoption slowed to its weakest point in almost two years.

In Ukraine, EV purchases surpass gasoline cars

• November saw electric vehicles account for roughly 38.5% of new passenger-car registrations — overtaking gasoline cars, per local data.

India’s car market surges — domestic automakers lead

• Big names like Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra performed strongly in November 2025. Domestic demand, export growth, and favorable policies helped restart growth after a slow period.
• Maruti Suzuki achieved record sales for the month.

🏭 Industry Pressure, Geopolitics, and Production Forecasts

Sentiment in German auto sector turns negative in November

• According to the Ifo Institute, business sentiment in Germany’s auto sector plummeted — the climate index dropped from -13.4 in October to -20.0 points in November.
• Companies cite global economic uncertainty, aggressive Chinese competition, tariffs (especially in the US), and ongoing supply-chain strain (e.g., chip shortages) as major pressure factors.

Stellantis in Italy reports modest sales growth in November despite broader market softness

• The group registered 31,733 vehicles in Italy during November — a 3% increase compared to November 2024.
• However, year-to-date registrations remain down (399,083 units vs prior period), highlighting a broader contraction trend for the group in 2025.

European automakers under pressure: challenges continue through 2026

• Analysts forecast further output decline in 2026 for Germany’s automotive sector, with major impacts on small and mid-size suppliers due to tariff tensions, shrinking demand, and a slow transition to electric mobility.

🔧 Corporate Moves, Innovation & Strategic Shifts

GM invests $550M in Ohio and Michigan facilities

• GM has committed $550 million to upgrade its Parma Metal Center and Romulus Propulsion Systems plant near Detroit, signaling a strategic push to reinforce U.S. manufacturing infrastructure.

Xiaomi raises 2025 EV target to 400,000 after early success

• The Chinese company, already exceeding its 2025 goal, announced an revised target — underscoring the competitiveness of Chinese automakers in electric mobility.

Harman International (part of Samsung) claims first HDR10+-certified automotive display

• As vehicles evolve into digital hubs, Harman’s new in-car display sets a benchmark for cabin multimedia experience — part of a broader shift toward immersive interiors.

entity[«organization»,»Stellantis»,0] to adopt NACS charging plug for EVs in multiple global markets by 2026

• Stellantis plans to standardize NACS charge ports on its EVs for North America, South Korea, and Japan — a move toward charging-unification and improved compatibility for consumers.

⚠️ Where the Industry Is Heading — and Potential Risks

• The slowdown in global vehicle sales and the “EV winter” in the U.S. suggest automakers may need to pivot back toward hybrids, affordable ICE vehicles, or diversify income through services and mobility platforms.
• European carmakers, especially those reliant on exports to the U.S., face tariffs and shrinking demand that threaten suppliers and challenge current EV-transition strategies.
• Electric-vehicle adoption remains uneven globally: while some markets (Ukraine, parts of Asia) see rising EV shares, others — including major Western markets — are stabilizing or retracting due to economic pressure and regulatory shifts.

At the same time, automakers investing in manufacturing infrastructure, charging standardization, and new mobility technologies (e.g., smarter displays, in-car digital ecosystems) hope to adapt and survive this turbulent period.

✅ What to Watch for Next

• How EV tax and policy changes affect buyer behavior — especially what happens after subsidies expire.
• Whether automakers accelerate development of hybrids or affordable ICE alternatives to maintain volume.
• Progress of alliances like Stellantis–Foxconn–Nvidia in advancing Level-4 autonomy and software-defined mobility.
• Market response in emerging regions — India, Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe — where growth shows promise even as Western markets cool.