In the first five months of 2026, 127,626 new vehicles were put into circulation, representing an increase of 9.4 percent compared to the same period in 2025.

In may, Volkswagen took the spot as the best-selling brand with 1,813 units registered, followed by Peugeot (1,804) and Mercedes-Benz (1,764).

Between January and May, passenger car registrations totalled 110,731 units, representing a 9.8 percent increase compared to the same period last year.

Growing electric vehicle market

In the first five months of 2026, more than 70 percent of new passenger cars registered in Portugal were powered by alternative energy sources, with electric and hybrid models leading the segment. Fully electric vehicles accounted for 24.5 percent of passenger car registrations year-to-date, according to the Portuguese Automobile Association.

In May alone, the share of electric vehicles rose to 27.9 percent of the market, clearly showing the growing consumer adoption of electric mobility, SAPO reports.