Figures released today (16th December) have suggested that new car sales in Europe slumped by 25.8 per cent in November as the auto industry continues to wobble amid the economic downturn.

Acea, the association of European automakers, revealed that the countries worst affected during the month were Ireland and Spain, who recorded sales declines of 55.9 per cent and 49.6 per cent respectively.

The figures represent the largest monthly fall since 1999 and the seventh consecutive month of decreases, while the body also confirmed that around one million fewer cars were registered between January and November compared to last year.

In addition, registrations in western Europe were down by 26 per cent on a year-on-year basis during the month, translating to 854,698 new vehicles.

The other major manufacturing countries to experience significant falls were the UK (36.8 per cent), Italy (29.5 per cent), Germany (17.7 per cent) and France (14.1 per cent).

Automakers themselves have been hit hard by the industry decline this year, with Seat and Volvo this week becoming the latest companies to announce production cuts.

The Acea figures show that Volkswagen suffered a 17.4 per cent European sales decline in November, while Peugeot Citroen (26.9 per cent), Renault (21.8 per cent) and Fiat (23.8 per cent) have also been affected by major slumps.



Source:

Biggest car sales fall since 1999 (16/12/08)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7785358.stm