ACEA

PASSENGER CARS: registrations decline by 9.3% in May

Brussels, 15/06/2010 - Demand for new cars in the EU* declined for the second month this year in May (-9.3%), reflecting 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% 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%) in registrations of all major markets, followed by Italy (-13.8%) and France (-11.5%). The UK (+13.5%) and Spain (+44.6%) increased registrations compared to the low levels observed last year. Slovakia saw its market shrink the most (-41.8%) while Ireland expanded the most (+70.6%).

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%). France (+7.2%), Italy (+7.9%), the UK (+22.0%) and Spain (+43.5%) all posted growth. The largest increase was noted in Portugal (+56.3%) while the steepest decline was found in Romania (-49.0%).

* EU27, data for Cyprus and Malta unavailable

NB: Commencing with the January 2010 new passenger car registrations figures, the ACEA data sheets will provide new vehicle registrations in alphabetical order for the countries of the European Union, and no longer separate for Western-Europe (15) and new EU Member States (10)*. Results for the EFTA countries will continue to be reported separately. The monthly press releases will quote the ‘EU’ figures first, followed by the ‘total Europe’ figures, adding up the EU and EFTA figures.

Go back