Italian Car Sales Surge 14% in February Driven by EV Incentives | 2026 Outlook

The Italian car market posted a 14% increase in registrations in February, reaching 157,334 units, a positive trend largely attributed to the lingering effects of October’s incentives for electric vehicle purchases. These incentives, booked in the autumn, are continuing to influence sales figures in the early part of 2026.

According to preliminary estimates from UNRAE, the association representing foreign car manufacturers, fully electric vehicles now account for 7.9% of total registrations. The first two months of the year combined reveal a 10.2% increase in registrations compared to the same period in 2025, totaling 299,373 units. Though, this figure still represents a 12.9% decrease when compared to February 2019, highlighting the ongoing recovery from pandemic-era disruptions. You can locate more detailed data on Italian car registrations at UNRAE’s statistics page.

Stellantis Gains Momentum with Leapmotor Surge

Within this recovering market, Stellantis is performing particularly well, driven by a significant surge in sales of Leapmotor vehicles. The Chinese EV brand managed to place 5,000 vehicles in the Italian market in a single month, exceeding a 3% market share. This performance surpasses competitors like BYD, which has seen its volumes increase by 50% compared to February 2025, and positions Leapmotor just below MG, currently the leading Chinese player in Italy with a 3.5% market share. The rise of Chinese automakers in the Italian market is a notable trend, as detailed in UNRAE’s market structure analysis for February 2025: Struttura del mercato – Febbraio 2025.

Beyond Leapmotor, other Stellantis brands are also showing positive momentum. Fiat’s volumes are up 40% year-over-year, with Jeep, Lancia, and Opel also contributing to the group’s overall success. Peugeot and Citroen, however, are experiencing more modest growth. The company’s overall performance is a key indicator of the broader automotive landscape in Italy, as UNRAE’s data on car registrations by brand demonstrates: Immatricolazioni di autovetture per marca – Febbraio 2025.

Volkswagen and Toyota Compete for Market Share

Outside of Stellantis, Volkswagen has seen a nearly 4% increase in registrations, while Toyota has solidified its position with a market share slightly higher than its German counterpart. Renault has improved its volumes by over 30%, but Tesla remains relatively stable, holding a market share of around 0.5%.

The Challenge of Sustaining Growth

The key challenge for the Italian car market in 2026 will be maintaining the momentum established in the first two months. If the current pace continues, analysts at Centro Studi Promotor estimate total registrations could reach 1.681.346 units, representing the highest volume since the 2020 pandemic-induced downturn. This projection hinges on continued consumer demand and the availability of incentives.

The broader economic context will also play a crucial role. Italy’s economic performance, consumer confidence, and employment levels all influence car purchasing decisions. UNRAE regularly publishes insights into the automotive market and its connection to the wider economy, available on their website: UNRAE.

Incentives and the Electric Vehicle Transition

The initial boost from the October incentives highlights the sensitivity of the Italian market to government support for electric vehicles. The effectiveness of these incentives in driving EV adoption is a key focus for policymakers, as Italy aims to meet its emissions reduction targets. The Luiss Business School’s research on perceptions and awareness of electric vehicles, presented in December 2025, provides valuable insights into consumer attitudes towards EVs. (Details available on the UNRAE website).

Looking Ahead: Procedural Steps and Market Dynamics

The coming months will be critical for assessing the sustainability of the current growth trend. Key factors to watch include the evolution of government incentive programs, the introduction of latest EV models, and the overall economic climate. UNRAE’s upcoming publications, including the 2025 Book of Statistics (released February 27, 2026) and the 12-month Pocket Market report (January 27, 2026), will provide further insights into market trends. The association also offers resources for those seeking employment in the automotive sector and provides scholarships for students pursuing marketing degrees related to the automotive industry.