Car sales in Europe decline

Europe's new car sales decline by 9.5 per cent in February, and 8.1per cent Year-to-Date compared to last year. According to the latest analysis from leading provider of automotive intelligence JATO Dynamics, the European new car market continues to suffer, as economic uncertainty kept customers out of showrooms in February.

Key findings:

• The European new car market declines by 9.5 per cent in February 

• All of the Big Five markets experience reduced sales, with France and Italy seeing the largest falls 

• Only one of the top 10 brands records a significant increase in February sales compared to last year 

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

Within the top 10 brands by volume, Renault suffered the largest fall in sales but managed to remain in the top three behind Volkswagen and Ford.

Mercedes is the only top 10 brand to record an improvement, primarily benefitting from an increase in sales of its B-Class and C-Class models to achieve sales 8.6 per cent higher than last year for February and up 8.5 per cent year-to-date.

Outside the top 10, the picture is similar to January, with Lexus, Kia and Land Rover significantly increasing their sales due to the launch of new vehicles. Jeep also performed strongly (up 55.1 per cent in February and 57.7 per cent year-to-date), the brand benefiting from the new Grand Cherokee and revised Compass models.

Volkswagen’s Golf and Polo models retain first and second place for best-selling cars across Europe in February, despite a reduction in sales for both during the month.

Ford’s Focus continued to perform well, achieving a 20.1 per cent increase in sales in February, and 12.8 per cent YtD – particularly surprising as much of this sales growth comes from the declining market in France. Fiat’s new Panda recorded a 2.6 per cent fall in sales, but re-claimed a place in the top 10 models by volume.

Commenting on the findings, Gareth Hession, Vice President, Research at JATO said: “What is clear is that maintaining investment in new models across all segments is critical despite the tough economic climate, evidenced by the success of vehicles like the Kia Rio, Range Rover Evoque and Audi A6, which are all performing well across the region.”