Study finds European cars grow 1.2cm longer annually, threatening 400,000 parking spaces by 2040

Analysis shows cars in Europe have grown longer, taller and wider every year since 2000 Cars have grown 1.2cm longer, 0.5cm taller and 0.5cm wider each year on average since 2000, analysis of new vehicles sold in Europe has found, in what green groups call “relentless carspreading”. The increase in…

First covered Jun 23, 2026 · 7:23 PM PT · 2 articles

Coverage

2d Guardian Environment ‘Carspreading’ could lead to extra 2,600 crash deaths a year by 2040, study finds — Analysis shows cars in Europe have grown longer, taller and wider every year since 2000 Cars have grown 1.2cm longer, 0.5cm taller and 0.5cm wider each year on…

3d CleanTechnica “Carspreading” To Wipe Out Up To 14% Of On-Street Parking In European Cities — Study — A new study analyses the relentless growth of newly sold cars across all key dimensions. New cars are growing 1.2 cm longer every year, research finds London…

Appeared in: 2026-06-24 (#8)

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