Are Car Sales Slowing Down In Europe?

Published on June 22, 2015 in News by Marc-André Gauthier

If there is a market that ignores indicators of economic growth, it is the automotive sector. Since 2008, there hasn't been a year that has gone by without manufacturers being thankful for growing sales, with only a few exceptions.

But is the party about to end? Have consumers finally run out of money for new cars?

A study by the firm JATO Dynamic suggests that might be the case. In May 2015, sales increased by 0.8% in Europe; this increase is the weakest since November 2013, and spring is supposed to be a good season for dealers. By comparison, sales rose 1.6% during the same period in the United States.

In Europe, the best-sellers - the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Fiesta and Renault Clio - all saw their sales numbers decrease, Renault being the biggest loser with sales down 11.8% for the Clio.

While gasoline is very expensive, and each month brings a new batch of anti-motorist laws, is it surprising to see the market's condition at this point? Is a slowdown inevitable? For now, the manufacturers do not seem too worried, as sales in emerging countries like China and Brazil are going well.

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