Is the Internal Combustion Engine Really Over in Europe?

Spoiler: Not yet…

The debate around the future of mobility in Europe often focuses on electric vehicles. But if we look at the car parc — the vehicles already on the road — the reality is still mixed. Petrol, diesel, hybrid and electric vehicles continue to coexist across Europe, showing that internal combustion engine is far from gone.

The difference between new registrations and the existing fleet is key. While new car sales are becoming more electrified, the car parc changes much more slowly. Vehicles already in use will remain on the road for many years, which is why ICE technology still plays such an important role in daily mobility, maintenance and repair.

Let’s have a look at the data

According to ACEA data, battery-electric cars represent only 2.3% of the EU car fleet, while hybrid cars account for 3.1%. This means that the vast majority of vehicles on European roads are still powered by petrol, diesel or hybrid systems. And this picture is reinforced by the age of the fleet: the average car in Europe is around 12.3 years old, which shows how slowly the parc renews itself. In other words, even if new registrations are changing quickly, the vehicles already on the road will continue to shape the market for many years.

Data from European VIO Database describing how ICE is not dead.

This is especially true for components such as timing chain kits, which are crucial for engine performance, reliability and durability. As long as millions of ICE vehicles continue to circulate, the demand for high-quality spare parts will remain strong.

That is why we follow market data closely. As a timing chain kit manufacturer, we develop our range based on real market necessities, ensuring our offer reflects actual demand and evolving application needs.

The transition to electric mobility is real, but it is not an overnight shift. Europe is moving toward a more electric future, yet the present remains a combination of technologies. In this context, understanding the market — and responding with the right product range — is more important than ever.

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