Difficulties continue for Europe’s automotive industry


Difficulties continue for Europe’s automotive industry as the new car market continued to decline during July.

Of the top 10 brands, only Audi recorded increased sales in July compared to the same month in 2011, with the Q3, A1 and facelifted A4 models in high demand.

Just outside the top 10, Toyota, Hyundai, Kia and Dacia all recorded improved sales in July. Land Rover also continued to grow sales, by 82.3% in July and by 54.6% for the Year-to-Date, due to strong demand for the Range Rover Evoque.

The Volkswagen Golf continued to be Europe’s best-selling car, despite sales falling 16.7 per cent compared to July 2011. The Volkswagen Polo and Ford Fiesta took second and third places respectively.

Peugeot’s new 208 model has entered the top 10, in fifth position for the month. Combined sales of the brand’s 2-series models (206+, 207 and 208) are 8.8 per cent ahead of July 2011.

Nine of the top 10 models recorded lower sales than a year ago, highlighting the difficulties facing the automotive industry at present. The only model to have recorded increased Year-to-Date sales was the Nissan Qashqai, which was up 2.3 per cent, helped by the addition of the efficient new 1.6 dCi engine to the range.

Commenting on the findings, Gareth Hession, Vice President, Research at JATO said: “The Peugeot 208’s sales demonstrate once again how a new product can drive demand. However the performance of the Qashqai also demonstrates that a product with the right blend of form and function, and with the right marketing and technical improvements, can maintain strong sales well into its lifecycle.”