May 2024 closes with a negative sign of 6.6% for the automotive sector compared to twelve months before, also useful for summing up the best-selling cars in Italy. The cumulative data (Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport data) however highlights a growth of 3.4% compared to the same period of 2023 and a decrease of 20.4% compared to the pre-pandemic. The wait for the new incentives has had a significant impact on the market, penalizing electric cars in particular. Confirmation of this is the enthusiastic reaction to the opening of the ecobonuses for BEVs, which sold out in just a few hours. While waiting for the release, battery-powered cars had recorded -18.9%, with a share of 3.6%. Plug-in hybrids (PHEV) did worse, hit by -32.7% and having a share of 3.2%. In this case, however, not even the aid recognized by the Government had the desired effects.
In fact, while full electrics were making a splash, just 20 of the 140 million were used for PHEVs. Among the fuel systems best able to keep up with the pace, mild and full hybrids stand out (+7.7% and 40% share) and petrol cars (+4.4%, 32.1%). Instead, diesels continue their inexorable decline, by 30.8% in the fifth month of the year and by 21.3% from January to May. Diesel options retain an excellent 14.4% share, however their end appears near.
The champion models in sales
However, we now come to the ranking of the ten best-selling cars in May 2024. In tenth position we find the Toyota Yaris (2,790 units), slightly below the MG ZS (2,851 units). The example from the land of the Rising Sun continues to record excellent numbers, by virtue of its acclaimed reliability and easy handling, ideal qualities in an urban scenario. Available with efficient hybrid petrol engines, it is spacious inside for its size and offers a decent boot. On the account of Morris Garage we are in the presence of one of the fastest growing companies. Absorbed by SAIC Motor Corporation Limited in 2005, it boasts a generous range, present in every segment. As for the ZS, it consists of an elegant and sporty compact SUV, with an inviting quality-price ratio.
The Dacia Sandero finished eighth (3,098 units), the best-selling car in Europe in April, suitable both for families and for those who need a work vehicle. One step above is the Renault Clio (3,195 units). Elegant and modern, the small car ensures a pleasant drive, thanks to the vast range of technologies. The Volkswagen T-Roc is sixth (3,227 units), a small-size Sport Utility reliable on any terrain. The Toyota Yaris Cross does even better (3,329 u.), a space-saving SUV-crossover based on the Yaris, which adds centimeters on board and versatility to the canonical version.
Podium area
Smelling the podium, the Jeep Avenger (3,756 units) continues its triumphant ride, as a high-wheeled proposal conceived to be, first and foremost, electric. The elegance and refinement of the Lancia Ypsilon (3,824 units) earned it third place, behind the Citroën C3 (4,197 units), an eclectic and comfortable city car. And who will it be, in your opinion, best-selling car in May 2024? The Fiat Panda (8,806 u.), but what questions! The tricolor myth dominates: practical and convenient, it is suitable for daily needs. Who knows if the EV version will repeat the results.
