New car sales in the European Union fell 18.3% in August to their lowest in three years, dragged down by double-digit losses in major markets Germany, France and Italy and sliding electric vehicle (EV) sales,

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

The EV market in Europe is facing a “continual downward trajectory,” according to ACEA. In August, EV sales dropped 43.9%, while the overall market fell 18.3% year-on-year. Automakers seek a smoother transition to zero-emission mobility amid sluggish EV demand.

New car registrations in the European Union showed an 18% drop in August, witnessing declines in the four major markets of the region. Germany took the biggest hit with a drop of 27.8%, and France 24.

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.