2012 'challenging' for European car market

Further details from ACEA’s 2012 European car registrations data reveals that the Volkswagen Golf continues to be Europe’s best-selling car, despite a sharp drop of 11.1 per cent in 2012 sales compared to 2011. Even with a 12.7 per cent drop the Ford Fiesta overtakes the Volkswagen Polo for second place in 2012, while the Volkswagen Polo comes in third, with sales down 19.8 per cent.

Amongst the top ten brands, only premium German brands Audi and Mercedes ended 2012 with no decrease in sales. According to analysts from Jato Dynamics, this positive performance is primarily due to new and refreshed models such as the new Audi A3, Q3, A6 and the Mercedes B-Class and M-Class. 

Top 10 Models

Source: ACEA/Jato Dynamics

Commenting on the findings, Gareth Hession, vice president, Research at Jato said: “Despite the challenging economic conditions across Europe and at home, there is clearly still appetite for new offerings from premium German brands. Other brands are also benefiting from new products such as Hyundai and Kia for example, where their latest vehicles show that consumers continue to look for innovation as well as value for money.”

Following the launch of the new Peugeot 208 in 2012, it finished the year with sales of over 155,000 units. Renault’s new fourth generation Clio has also been well received, with the model claiming third place for December 2012 and increasing its share of the market. The BMW Series 3 has also performed well last month with sales up 20.9 per cent compared to last year. It ended the year with a sales increase of 8.4 per cent.

Hession commented: “The Peugeot 208 has been climbing steadily up the sales chart since its launch earlier in 2012, claiming second place for the month behind the Golf is a very strong performance, demonstrating PSA’s ability to deliver a highly competitive and desirable product.”