Global and EU auto market: mixed signals in the first half of 2026

In the first half of 2026, the global auto industry moved at different speeds. In Europe, demand remains weak and the sector is still dealing with high costs, the electric transition and economic uncertainty. China and North America were more active instead, supporting worldwide volumes.

For Italy, the picture remains important: exports, investment and manufacturers’ industrial decisions all matter. For the European market, the challenge is now to boost competitiveness without slowing the shift toward low-emission models.