Europe automotive market declines in July, UK on the up

The British passenger vehicle market was the only car parc in Europe to increase registrations in July. According to analysis produced by Jato Dynamics, Europe’s new car sales declined by 8.2 per cent in July, and 4.9 per cent year-to-date compared to last year. Great Britain grew 3.5 per cent. Meanwhile Italy and Spain recorded the greatest drops in July unit sales. Volkswagen’s Golf maintained its position as Europe’s top performing model.

Of the top 10 brands, only Audi recorded increased sales in July compared to the same month in 2011, with the Q3, A1 and facelifted A4 models in high demand. However just outside the top 10, Toyota, Hyundai, Kia and Dacia all recorded improved sales in July. Land Rover also continued to grow sales, by 82.3 per cent in July and by 54.6 per cent for the Year-to-Date, due to strong demand for the Range Rover Evoque.

The Volkswagen Golf continued to be Europe’s best-selling car, despite sales falling 16.7 per cent compared to July 2011. The Volkswagen Polo and Ford Fiesta take second and third places respectively. 

Peugeot’s new 208 model has entered the top 10 in fifth position for the month. Combined sales of the brand’s 2-series models (206+, 207 and 208) are 8.8 per cent ahead of July 2011.

Nine of the top 10 models recorded lower sales than a year ago, highlighting the difficulties facing the automotive industry at present. The only model to have recorded increased year-to-date sales was the Nissan Qashqai, which was up 2.3 per cent, helped by the addition of the efficient new 1.6 dCi engine to the range.