According to the latest analysis from JATO Dynamics, the world’s leading provider of automotive intelligence, the European new car market continues to suffer, as economic uncertainty kept customers out of showrooms in February.
Like this article? Sign up to receive our weekly news blasts here.Within the top 10 brands by volume, Renault suffers the largest fall in sales but manages to remain in the top three behind Volkswagen and Ford.
Mercedes is the only top 10 brand to record an improvement, primarily benefitting from an increase in sales of its B-Class and C-Class models to achieve sales 8.6% higher than last year for February and up 8.5% YtD.
Outside the top 10, the picture is similar to January, with Lexus, Kia and Land Rover significantly increasing their sales due to the launch of new vehicles. Jeep also performs strongly (up 55.1% in February and 57.7% YtD), the brand benefiting from the new Grand Cherokee and revised Compass models.
Volkswagen’s Golf and Polo models retain first and second place for best-selling cars across Europe in February, despite a reduction in sales for both during the month.
Ford’s Focus continues to perform well, achieving a 20.1% increase in sales in February, and 12.8% YtD – particularly surprising as much of this sales growth comes from the declining market in France. Fiat’s new Panda records a 2.6% fall in sales, but re-claims a place in the top 10 models by volume.
Commenting on the findings, Gareth Hession, Vice President, Research at JATO said: “What is clear is that maintaining investment in new models across all segments is critical despite the tough economic climate, evidenced by the success of vehicles like the Kia Rio, Range Rover Evoque and Audi A6, which are all performing well across the region.”
For more information visit www.jato.com.
