BMW Group vs BYD

From the first sketch to recycling: The holistic sustainability approach of the BMW Group.

From the first sketch to recycling: The holistic sustainability approach of the BMW Group.

BMW Group runs global social media agency pitch

The BMW Group has launched a global agency pitch to review and reassign its worldwide social media responsibilities for the BMW and Mini brands. According to media reports, four networks initially entered the review and two have since been eliminated. Existing partners named in reporting include Network Monks (part of S4 Capital) for Europe, London-based Liganova Mash for international social channels, Munich-based Lobeco (which expanded its mandate after winning a 2025 pitch), Jung von Matt as lead agency for brand communication, and iProspect (a Dentsu subsidiary) for international media tasks. The article references previous restructurings such as the acquisition of Eightydots and the creation — now owned by Serviceplan Group — of The Marcom Engine.

• BMW Group has launched a global agency pitch for its worldwide social media activities for BMW and Mini.
• Four networks initially entered the pitch; two have been eliminated so far (per Campaign UK reporting).
• Network Monks (part of S4 Capital) currently handles social media measures for BMW in Europe.

Chinese Automakers Gain European Market Share, Iran War Drives EV Demand

Chinese automakers are rapidly gaining market share in Europe, driven by strong electric vehicle demand and exacerbated by the Iran conflict's impact on fuel prices. Data from Dataforce shows Chinese brands accounted for 8.7% of European new car registrations from January to July, nearly triple the share from 2024 and up from 0.6% in 2021. In the EV segment, their share reached 12.6%. BYD leads with 217,000 registrations, while others like MG, Chery, Leapmotor, and Omoda also contribute significantly. The trend is regional, with the UK at nearly 16%, while Germany lags at 4.1%. The article notes the premium segment remains untapped, with expectations of future growth to 20% by 2030. Hybrids now make up 53% of Chinese car sales in Europe due to EU tariffs.

• Chinese automakers reached 8.7% of European new car registrations (Jan-Jul 2026), up from 0.6% in 2021.
• Chinese EV market share in Europe reached 12.6% in the same period, up from 2.1% in 2021.
• BYD leads with 217,000 new registrations and a 2.4% market share in Europe.

EV Boom Meets Rising Pressure from China

The European car market grew again in 2026, driven mainly by battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and strong sales from Chinese manufacturers. European registrations rose in H1 2026, with BEVs reaching a 20.7% market share and Germany showing particularly strong EV growth. Chinese brands such as BYD, Geely, SAIC, Chery and Leapmotor have rapidly increased European volumes, capturing roughly 10% of the market in June. Established European automakers are not benefiting uniformly; some (e.g., Volkswagen) show only modest growth. The shift is changing competitive dynamics and forces automakers to adapt communication and marketing strategies amid pressure on margins and more constrained automotive advertising budgets in some markets (WARC forecast).

• EU new-car registrations rose 5.7% in H1 2026 (ACEA).
• Battery-electric vehicles reached a 20.7% market share in H1 2026; hybrids 37.3%; petrol and diesel fell to 29.7% (ACEA).
• Germany's EV new registrations rose 48% in H1 2026; in June Germany registered 84,057 pure electric cars (+78.2% year-on-year) with a 28.4% market share (Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt).