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September 16, 2015 by Dhiraj Gurung

Europe’s new-car market records 24 consecutive months of growth

  • New-car sales in Europe grew by 11.5% in August and, 8.9% year-to-date
  • Volkswagen Passat joins Golf and Polo in the top five
  • Germany and Spain recorded the greatest increases in units sold in August

The European new-car market grew by 11.5% in August compared to a year earlier, reports JATO Dynamics, the world’s leading provider of automotive intelligence. The market grew by 8.9% year-to-date compared to 2014.

JATO’s headline market analysis:

  • The total car market in Europe has now recorded 24 consecutive months of growth
  • Monthly unit growth in Germany and Spain exceeded 10,000 units
  • Skoda’s Fabia model achieved tenth place in the top ten models leader board for August. With Octavia in fifth place, giving the brand two models in the top ten

The European new-car market recorded growth of 11.5%, the third time this year, double-digit growth has been achieved.

Germany increased sales by over 13,000 units compared to August 2014, while Spain achieved over 11,000 more units registered. Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Ireland and Slovakia also recorded year-on-year growth for the month of more than 30%.

Brian Walters, Vice President of Data at JATO Dynamics, commented “Despite August traditionally being the slowest month of the year for car sales in Europe due to summer holidays, the market has achieved considerable growth compared to last year”.

European Monthly Sales Volumes Year-on-Year Comparison

Chart

(Image file of graph also attached)

Volkswagen maintained its position as Europe’s leading car brand despite losing some market share. Ford took second position in August, ahead of Opel/Vauxhall and Renault, while BMW achieved fifth place, just ahead of its premium competitors Mercedes-Benz and Audi. All of the top ten brands recorded increased sales in August and the year-to-date.

Top Ten Brands

Top Ten Brands

Outside the top ten, Nissan recorded the greatest rise in units sold compared to August 2014 due to the introduction of the Pulsar and the success of the new generations of the Qashqai and X-Trail, while Citroën also benefitted from stronger demand for the C3, C4 Cactus and C1 models.

Volkswagen’s Passat increased sales by 44.4% to take fourth place, leaving Volkswagen with three of the five top models in August. Renault’s Clio took second place while Skoda’s Octavia was fifth. Skoda’s new Fabia also had an impressive month, where it recorded 37.7% more sales than its predecessor a year ago to enter the top ten for August. With the Octavia holding fifth place, this is the first time that two Skoda models have appeared in the top ten.

Top Ten Models

Top Ten Models

 

Beyond the top ten, the Opel/Vauxhall Mokka continues to be popular with consumers with August sales up 53.3% on last year, putting it just ahead of its closest small-crossover competitor, the Renault Captur. The new generations of Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Peugeot 308 and Ford Mondeo also continue to make sales gains.

Brian Walters concluded “Last month the European car market achieved two years of continuous positive growth. This is likely to continue this month, as September is traditionally a strong month for sales, with the usual sales peak in the UK market and many new models unveiled at Frankfurt motor show, stimulating revitalised demand”

For more information email jatoteam@firstlightpr.com, visit www.jato.com and follow JATO on LinkedIn & Twitter.

Download file: August 2015 Europe Reg Release - Final.pdf