German carmakers are bringing more and more electric cars onto the market. However, the favor of the local population seems to be waning. Manufacturers from the Far East benefit.
Munich – For a long time now, German manufacturers have also been exposed to competition from Asia in the local market. With the mobility shift towards electric cars, they now seem to be undermining the VW and Co. brands at home. At least that's what an evaluation published by Carwow suggests.
The results of 2022 show that it is not the domestic electric models such as VW ID.3 and Co. that are ahead in popularity. Rather, it is imported brands that often receive greater demand. The research is based on which vehicles were most frequently configured on the portal in the past year. It was divided into 13 categories, which differ from those of the official KBA statistics.
E-cars: German manufacturers pay - Asian models most popular
It can be seen that models with combustion engines are declining in popularity, while the popularity of electric cars is increasing: Of a total of 39 vehicles in the respective top three, only 15 have a pure gasoline or diesel engine. An explosive finding from a German point of view: Audi, BMW and Mercedes have lost overall, the car comparison portal explains.
The listings make it clear that domestic brands – including VW – are not the most sought-after when it comes to buying a car. Instead, two Asian manufacturers in particular are enjoying great popularity: Hyundai and Kia. Both the two most popular electric cars and hybrid models are accounted for by the South Korean sister companies. The Hyundai IONIQ 5 is the most configured electric car by users, followed by the Kia EV6. The situation is similar for PHEV vehicles: Here, the Hyundai Tucson is ahead, followed by the Kia Sportage.
The IONIQ 5 and EV6 are two crossovers that have a slightly more rustic look than conventional road versions, and the efficiency of the electric powertrain could also be convincing. Thus, the two electric cars can also be found at the top of the SUV classification. In addition, Hyundai and Kia also win two individual ratings with combustion models: The compact Kia Ceed sports car is ahead in the station wagons, the compact sports car rating goes to the Hyundai i30 N.
Meanwhile, it shouldn't be long before Chinese suppliers also play an important role in the German market:
E-cars in Germany: Foreign brands are often at the forefront of buyers' favor
At least Volkswagen, however, only has to worry to a limited extent: Neither the ID.3 nor the SUV models VW ID.4/ID.5 make it into the top three of their categories at Carwow. On the other hand, models from the group's subsidiaries Skoda and Seat are also popular. The same (VW) quality at a lower price could be the cause here. Among the family cars, the Skoda Enyaq IV is in first place in the ranking, followed by the Skoda Octavia station wagon. The Cupra Born – a vehicle from Seat's electric division – is the most sought-after hatchback model.
Foreign manufacturers are also apparently ahead of (private) car buyers in two categories formerly dominated by German carmakers: the electric Fiat 500 for small cars and the Tesla Model S for sedans. Carwow shows the "city cars" area separately – this is where the Renault Zoe has been configured most frequently.
Popular electric cars in Germany*
1. Hyundai IONIQ 5
2. Kia EV6
3. Skoda Enyaq IV
Popular hybrid models in Germany*
1. Hyundai Tucson
2. Kia Sportage
3. Ford Kuga
*Source: Carwow, Configurations of the Year 2022
What the evaluation makes even clear: Only in luxury segments do German carmakers seem to set the tone in this country. The Porsche Taycan is ahead in the sports cars, and the Mercedes CLA in the coupés. After all, Mercedes-Benz is (still) ahead when it comes to convertibles: the Smart EQ Fortwo Cabrio holds the top spot. And VW? Is only dominant in the vans category - with the VW California and the electric Bulli rebirth ID.Buzz front.
Expensive German e-cars do not (yet) play a role for private consumers
According to the comparison portal, almost five million configurations were carried out last year, not all of which, of course, led to the purchase of a car. However, it shows that German brands no longer play a major role in the considerations in the area of private sales (accounts for about a third of new registrations). Sales by German manufacturers are boosted in this country, especially in the commercial sector (leasing), where state subsidies take effect and discounts are granted for large quantities.
Top 10: The ten most popular cars among Germans
Top 10: The ten most popular cars among Germans
Privately, on the other hand, hardly any people in this country can afford premium brands from BMW, Mercedes or Audi because new cars have become more and more expensive due to complex electrical engineering, the Corona crisis and the Ukraine conflict. What remains for the majority of brand fans is to switch to the used car market, where the cars are much cheaper after a few years. (PF)