EU car demand declines for 2nd consecutive month

ERJ staff report (DS)

Brussels -- Demand for new cars in the EU declined for the second month this year in May, according to data from ACEA, the European federation of vehicle makers. ACEA said the -9.3 percent decline reflects the end to government support schemes on the one hand and the further challenging economic situation on the other. Five months into the year, the EU counted 1.9 percent more vehicles than over the same period a year ago. The cumulative total amounted to 5,943,096 new cars.

In May, 1,129,508 vehicles were registered in the EU. While Germany registered the most cars, it also recorded the biggest decrease (-35.1 percent) in registrations of all major markets, followed by Italy (-13.8 percent) and France (-11.5 percent). The UK (+13.5 percent) and Spain (+44.6 percent) increased registrations compared to the low levels observed last year. Slovakia saw its market shrink the most (-41.8 percent) while Ireland expanded the most (+70.6 percent).

From January to May, new car registrations totaled 5,943,096 units. Of the most important markets, Germany was the only one recording a downturn (-27.7 percent). France (+7.2 percent), Italy (+7.9 percent), the UK (+22.0 percent) and Spain (+43.5 percent) all posted growth. The largest increase was noted in Portugal (+56.3 percent) while the steepest decline was found in Romania (-49.0 percent).

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Press release from ACEA