Uncertain economy continues to unsettle Europe’s new car market

May 17, 2012: According to the latest analysis from leading automotive intelligence provider JATO Dynamics, the European new car market remains uncertain under the current economic climate. Although the market is still down on 2011, April 2012 experienced the lowest drop in month-on-month sales so far this year.

The key findings are:

• The European new car market declined by 6.1% in April and 7.1% year-to-date versus last year

• Of the big five markets, Germany and Great Britain achieved increased sales; France recorded a small decrease, while Italy and Spain recorded significant declines in sales

• Four of the top 10 brands achieved an increase in April sales compared to last year

• Two of the top 10 models recorded an increase in April sales compared to 2011

Within the top 10 brands by volume, Renault and Opel/Vauxhall experienced the largest fall in sales during April of 16.9% and 16.1% respectively. Volkswagen maintains top position, ahead of Ford.

Mercedes-Benz achieved the greatest increase in sales (+5.4%) within the top 10 brands, partly due to new or improved models such as the B-class and C-class. Meanwhile, Citroën recorded a 4.5% increase in April sales, with strong sales performances for the new DS4, DS5 and C4 Aircross models, and increased sales of the C3 model in France and Italy.

Outside the top ten, Land Rover sales increased by 54.7% largely due to the success of the Range Rover Evoque, and sister brand Jaguar recorded a 47.0% increase in sales following the introduction of the facelifted XF now available with a smaller 2.2-litre diesel engine.

Volkswagen’s Golf and Ford’s Fiesta retain first and second place among the top 10 models sold in Europe, despite a reduction in April sales of both models. The introduction of BMW’s new 3-series saloon resulted in the model recording a 16.8% increase in April sales to take ninth place in the European top 10 model sales league table.

Outside the top 10, new models such as Volkswagen Up, Toyota Yaris, Audi A6 and Mercedes B-class are achieving the greatest increases in sales.

Commenting on the findings, Gareth Hession, vice-president, research at JATO Dynamics, said: “The April 2012 sales results again demonstrate the importance of new models in driving increased sales, in an environment as uncertain and highly competitive as the European new car market.”