Stellantis and Volkswagen suffered significant falls in new-car registrations in August, contributing to a sharp overall decline in the European Union, as demand weakened in key markets and electric-vehicle sales fell.

EV deliveries in the region’s biggest car market, Germany, fell 69% during August, fueling a 36% drop across the region.

The industry is calling for policymakers to help saying that, if nothing is done, the required transition will be costly not only to the carmakers but to the economy itself, as well as putting the EU's transition to zero-emission at risk.