European car market continued to decline in January

Anna Tkach

AutoPortal editorial team

1,277 views 1 min read

In the European Union, the year began with a decrease in the number of registrations of new passenger cars. Thus, in January 2019, demand fell by 4.6%, amounting to 1,195,665 units. Nevertheless, this result is the second largest among January registrations since 2009.

In the first month of the year, all EU markets, including the top five, saw a decline in consumer interest in cars. The most notable drop was recorded in Spain and Italy — by 8.0% and 7.5%, respectively. In the UK, Germany, and France, the decline was less significant: minus 1.6%, 1.4%, and 1.1%.

Germany still maintains its position as the main automotive market in Europe. Over the month, 265,702 passenger cars were sold in the country.

Italy takes second place in the list of leaders — residents of this country became owners of 164,864 cars in January.

The top three is rounded out by the UK, where sales amounted to 161,013 units.

Among European automakers, VW Group traditionally holds first place. The concern sold 288,266 cars in EU markets, which is 6.5% less than in January last year.

PSA Group takes second position with sales of 204,199 cars — this is 1.9% below the figure from a year ago.

RENAULT Group ranks third in the number of cars sold, having sold 115,794 units — a result 0.7% lower than last year's.