Gasoline Cars Are Now a Minority of Global New-Car Sales for the First Time

For the first time on record, gasoline-only vehicles are a minority of global new-car sales. They accounted for 49% of worldwide sales in the first half of 2026, down from 73% in 2021, according to Mobility Global data first reported by Nikkei.

Gasoline-only car sales fell 10% from a year earlier to 20.25 million units between January and June, with their share dropping three full points in a single year — from 52% to 49%.

There's a catch, though: most of the vehicles taking their place still have a gas tank. Hybrids are doing the heavy lifting in this transition, which is exactly why Toyota's hybrid-heavy lineup — including the now hybrid-only 2026 RAV4 — is so well positioned.

What it means for buyers: resale values are starting to reflect the shift. Efficient hybrids and EVs are holding value better than thirsty gas-only models in many segments. If you're buying a gas-only car today, make sure the deal score justifies it.