Germany’s automotive exports remain robust through the first five months of 2025, according to data released by the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis). Approximately 1.5 million new cars, valued at €57.9 billion, were shipped from Germany during January to May 2025. This represents a 1.1% increase in volume compared to the same period in 2024, with a corresponding 0.4% rise in value.
Automotive exports accounted for 8.8% of Germany’s total export volume during this period, a figure unchanged from the previous year. The United Kingdom, the United States and Italy remained the top destinations for German-manufactured vehicles, receiving 32.2% of total exports. The UK received approximately 183,000 vehicles (12.4%), followed by the US with 181,000 (12.3%) and Italy with 111,000 (7.5%).
While vehicles with internal combustion engines (ICE) comprised the largest share of exports (52.1%), electric vehicle (EV) exports are experiencing notable growth. A total of 416,000 electric vehicles were exported, a 25.3% increase year-on-year. Hybrid vehicle exports also rose, with 289,000 units shipped, representing a 10.7% increase. The trend is even more pronounced when examining value: ICE vehicle exports decreased by 17.0% by value, compared to a 27.2% increase in EV exports and a 20.6% rise for hybrid vehicles.
Exports to the United States, however, saw a slight decrease, with 181,000 vehicles shipped, representing a 1.9% decline in volume and a 3.2% decline in value compared to the first five months of 2024. ICE vehicles continued to dominate US-bound exports, accounting for 56.4% of the total, while EVs comprised 25.7% and hybrids 17.9%. Hybrid vehicle exports to the US demonstrated the most significant growth, increasing by 36.3% year-on-year, while EV exports experienced a modest 3.2% increase. Notably, export volumes to the US fluctuated throughout the period, with a 14.7% increase in the first quarter, followed by a 23.5% decrease in April and May.
Germany continues to import a substantial number of new vehicles; 741,000 units, valued at €21.1 billion, entered the country between January and May 2025. This represents a 5.7% and 3.5% decrease in volume and value, respectively, compared to the same period in 2024. Spain emerged as the leading supplier, accounting for 14.5% of imports (107,000 vehicles), followed by the Czech Republic (13.6%) and Slovakia (11.0%). Vehicle imports from China increased to 45,000 units, climbing to the fourth-largest origin country, surpassing the import volume from the United States, which declined by 30.3% to 40,000 units placing it at number five.
ICE vehicles continue to be the dominant powertrain type in imports, accounting for 57.3%, followed by hybrids at 26.7% and EVs at 16.0%.
