Italy July 2018

Nissan Leaf Jumps to #1 in Hot Selling market

Remember when talking about Italy and plug-ins was almost like talking about water and olive oil? (As in, they didn't mixed) 

Well, not anymore, the Italian PEV market is now on fire, after hitting its third consecutive record month(!), sales have shooted up 231% YoY, to 1,352 units, with the 2018 PEV share climbing to 0.5%, still an admittedly low value, but already twice as much as in 2017. 

Will plug-ins finally pick up here?

While growth is always good, especially in a low share market like this one, the best part is that BEVs are growing faster than PHEVs, allowing them to narrowly outsell PHEVs (51% vs 49%) this year, and recover Italy for the all-electric side. 

Looking at the best selling models, the Nissan Leaf has dethroned the Smart Fortwo ED, being the new Best Seller in 2018, thanks to a record 389 units.

Other headlining change was the Mercedes GLC350e jumping to #5, while another midsize SUV had a positive month, with the Volvo XC60 PHEV delivering 26 units and climbing to #17.

An Italian quirk is the big share of city cars in its automotive market, and plug-ins follow that rule, not only the Smart Fortwo ED is #2 in the ranking, but its (slightly) larger sibling Forfour ED in also on the Top 20 (#14), as is the Citroen C-Zero (#20), making three city EVs on the Top 20.

Looking at the manufacturers ranking, Nissan (15%) has replaced Smart (14%) on top, while BMW (13%) is profiting from its extensive lineup to remain dangeusly close to the top two.