In February, new car registrations pursued the downward trend commenced in October 2011, reaching their lowest level with less than 800,000 units. In total, 795,482 new cars were recorded in the EU*, or 10.5% less than in the same month last year. From January to February, demand for new cars declined by 9.5%, amounting to 1,681,073 units.
In February, the UK was the only country to post growth (+7.9%). All other significant markets faced a downturn ranging from -9.8% in Spain to -10.5% in Germany, -12.1% in France and -17.4% in Italy.
Two months into the year, Germany (-9.6%) and Spain (-9.7%) performed similarly, compared to the same period a year earlier. France (-13.5%) and Italy (-17.3%) recorded a double-digit downturn, while demand was sustained in the UK (+10.3%).
February and year-to-date registrations data by manufacturer group and national market can be downloaded at:
http://www.acea.be/images/uploads/files/20130319_PR_PC.pdf or
http://www.acea.be/images/uploads/files/20130319_PR_PC.xls.
* EU27, data for Malta unavailable
