Netherlands’ car market sees a 13% dip in new registrations Jan 2026, EV sales fall 35% while hybrids jump 18% – explore the full report.
The Dutch automobile market started 2026 on a shaky note. New car registrations fell by 13.1% in January compared with the same month last year, and the decline was especially pronounced for fully electric vehicles (EVs). While EVs tumbled, hybrid models posted a surprising surge, offering a rare bright spot amid the gloom.
January 2026 Registration Figures
According to data released by RAI Vereniging, BOVAG and the Dutch Vehicle Authority (RDC), only 28,347 new cars were registered in the Netherlands in January 2026, down from 32,624 a year earlier. The breakdown by powertrain is as follows:
- Fully electric: 7,165 units (‑35.4% YoY), representing a market share of 25.3% (down from 34%).
- Hybrid: 17,571 units, up 18.4% and capturing 62% of total registrations.
- Petrol (gasoline): 3,348 units (11.8% share).
- Diesel: 249 units.
- LPG: 14 units.
Why the Drop? Expert Insights
BOVAG spokespersons explained that a portion of the decline is “seasonally artificial.” Strong year‑end sales campaigns in 2025 prompted many buyers to register vehicles early, inflating the previous year’s numbers. Additionally, market‑research firm Aumacon pointed to the unusually cold winter weather, which traditionally slows showroom traffic and delays purchase decisions.
Top‑Selling Models Across Segments
In the overall market, the best‑selling models were predominantly small‑car and compact SUV offerings:
- Suzuki Swift – 727 units
- Hyundai i10 – 629 units
- Toyota Aygo X – 615 units
- Škoda Kodiaq – 577 units
- Hyundai Kona – 558 units
Within the electric segment, the leaders were:
- Kia EV3 – 315 registrations (official page)
- Tesla Model Y – 293 registrations (official page)
- Volvo EX30 – 278 registrations (official page)
- Renault 5 – 271 registrations (official page)
- Hyundai Ioniq (listed as “Inster” in the source) – 263 registrations (official page)
Looking Back: 2025 Performance
For context, the Dutch market recorded 388,024 new registrations in 2025, a modest 1.7% increase over 2024. Tesla, once the dominant EV brand in the Netherlands, saw its January 2026 sales plunge to just 307 units from 927 a year earlier, underscoring the mounting challenges facing EV manufacturers in a market that appears to be shifting toward hybrid solutions.
Analysts will be watching whether the hybrid momentum can sustain growth and whether the EV sector can rebound once seasonal factors subside and new model launches arrive later in the year.