March 21 Reuters New car sales in the European Union rose 10.1 yearonyear in February, with the bloc39;s main markets all recording solid growth, Europe39;s automakers association said on Thursday.

Registrations rose by 13 in France, 12.8 in Italy, 9.9 in Spain and 5.4 in Germany, consolidating similar trends seen in January, the European Automobile Manufacturers Association ACEA said in a statement.

The four countries were also the main contributors to a 24.7 yearly jump in hybrid electric vehicle HEV sales in the EU, with the market share of HEVs in the bloc increasing to 28.9 from 25.5 a year ago, the data showed.

Hybrid vehicles, seen as a compromise between allcombustion and allelectric cars, are emerging as a preferred alternative to battery electric vehicles for consumers in Europe, the U.S and China.

Registrations for all electrified vehicles fully electric models, plugin hybrids and full hybrids rose by 18.4 yearonyear and accounted for 48.2 of all new passenger car registrations in February, up from 44.8 in the previous year.

Total registrations at Volkswagen, Stellantis and Renault all rose in February, by 9.8, 12.0 and 5.8 respectively.

Electric car company Tesla recorded a 15.2 increase in February sales in the EU.

China39;s SAIC Motor more than doubled sales in the EU, Britain and the European Free Trade Association EFTA.

In the same month, its unit MG Motors unveiled the hybrid hatchback MG3 model for the European market, in a bid to offer a…