European car sales decline in May but YTD figures show signs of improvement

June 19, 2013: According to the latest new car sales analysis from JATO Dynamics, the leading provider of automotive intelligence, European new car sales slipped back into decline during May. Following a small 2.0 percent increase in April 2013 (versus April 2012), May 2013 ended with a 5.8 percent reduction in new car sales/registrations for the month compared to May 2012. However, despite year-to-date (YTD) figures also showing a decline of 6.8 percent compared to 2012, the downward trend appears to be slowing, as YTD decline rates have become smaller each month since March this year.

Quick analysis:
The European new car market decreased by 5.8% in May compared to May 2012 and YTD sales remain down by 6.8% year-on-year
Within the ‘Big 5’ markets, Great Britain was the only market to record an improvement in year-on-year sales volumes for both the month and YTD figures whereas France, Germany, Italy and Spain all suffered decreased volumes for both month and YTD figures
B-segment models took four out of the top five places for European sales volumes while the VW Golf (pictured above) remains at the top of the leader board
Mercedes is the only brand in the top 10 to record increased sales volumes for both the month and year-to-date versus 2012

Although Finland posted the largest year-on-year increase for the month of May at 39.6 percent, this dramatic increase year-on-year is largely due to a change in car tax in April 2012 that resulted in an artificially high sales volume in March 2012 and thereafter artificially lower sales in the subsequent months. Year-to-date figures, which remain down by 19.5 percent, are more representative of the overall picture in Finland.
In contrast to current market trends, Great Britain posted an 11.0 percent increase in year-on-year figures for May, remaining up by 9.3 percent year-to-date.

Out of the top 10 manufacturers, Mercedes was the only brand to record an increase in either year-on-year monthly or year-to-date figures, with sales up 1.8 percent and 2.3 percent respectively. This is largely thanks to the successful launch of the new shape A-class and the introduction of the new CLA-class four-door coupé. All other brands in the top 10, including market leader Volkswagen, reported a decline for both monthly and year-to-date volumes. Outside the top 10, Dacia, currently 17th, made significant progress over 2012, reporting an 18.2 percent increase in both monthly year-on-year and year-to-date volumes. Other brands that are making strong progress include: Mazda, up 30.9 percent for the month and 7.2 percent year-to-date; Seat, up 12.8 percent for the month and 9.4% year-to-date; Land Rover, up 10.8% for the month and 10.1 percent year-to-date; and Jaguar up 16.2 percent for the month and 15.6 percent year-to-date.



The Volkswagen Golf, which continued to be Europe’s best-selling car, despite a slight drop in sales (0.7 percent for the month and 2.1 percent year-to-date). The world’s 30 millionth Golf rolled off the assembly line at the Volkswagen plant in Wolfsburg on June 14. New model Peugeot 208 and facelift Renault Clio continued to sell well, recording increased sales in May 2013, compared to May 2012.

Out of the top five, four were B-segment models: Ford Fiesta; Peugeot 208; Opel/Vauxhall Corsa; Renault Clio. However, both the Ford Fiesta and Opel/Vauxhall Corsa experienced a drop in sales for the month compared to May 2012 and also remain down year-to-date.

Commenting on the findings, Gareth Hession, vice-president of Research at JATO Dynamics, said: “Although the latest year-to-date figures continue to show an overall decline, it’s important to note that they suggest the decline is beginning to slow. Alongside a few of the premium names, brands like Dacia, Kia, Subaru and Seat are helping to reverse the trend of decline.”