ACEA

PASSENGER CARS: Robust first half 2007 registrations in new member states limit EU market decline

Robust first half 2007 registrations in new member states limit EU market decline

Brussels, 13/07/2007 - With 1,543,770 new cars registered in June 2007, European* (EU27+EFTA) market for new cars was slightly better off (+0.7%) compared to June last year. This mere upturn came as a result of the new EU members’ surplus (+19,360 units, +21.1%) exceeding West European loss (–8,380 units, –0.6%). Although 14 countries had one working day less, the calendar effect seems to be limited. Over the first six months of 2007, the EU decline in new car registrations has been moderated (–0.2%) by a solid increase in the new member states (+14.8%).

As regards the situation on the main markets, Italy (+8%) and the UK (+1.5%) were the most successful in June 2007. German new car registrations, still affected by VAT increase in January this year, further declined by –7%. France (–3.2%) and Spain (–1.8%) also slowed down. Results of the remaining EU15 countries were mixed: half of them enjoyed growth, with Belgium (+8.4%), the Netherlands (+7.9%) and Portugal (+6.6%) at the top. First semester cumulative figures confirmed an upward trend in Italian and British registrations (+6.5% and +2%, respectively) while Spain (–1.6%), France (–2.6%) and Germany (–9.2%) saw their results deteriorate.

New EU member states showed a robust performance during the first half of 2007 (+14.8%). In June, they reached a remarkable +21.1% growth, with Romania, Baltic countries and Poland leading the way (+56.1%, +33.7% and +23%, respectively). Apart from Hungary (–11.5%) and Slovakia (–1.5%), all remaining countries saw their first half-year results strongly improve with regards to January-June 2006.

* Please note that the ACEA press release on new passenger car registrations in Europe includes figures from Romania and Bulgaria

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