In the European Union (EU), September registrations of new cars decreased by 9.6 percent compared to the same month of last year, marking the sixth consecutive month of decline in demand for new cars this year, according to a report released on October 15 by the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA). In absolute numbers, registrations amounted to 1,227,645 units. Meanwhile, over the three first quarters of 2010, registrations were 4.3 percent lower compared to the same period of 2009, totaling 10,251,140 vehicles.
In September, all major markets contracted, from -8.2 percent in France to -8.9 percent in the UK, -17.8 percent in Germany, -18.9 percent in Italy and -27.3 percent in Spain. In contrast, markets such as Ireland (+93.9 percent) or Latvia (+79.6 percent) expanded considerably, posting growth from very low levels in 2009 and 2008.
From January to September, results in the major markets were more diverse. While the French market remained stable (+0.8 percent) compared to the three first quarters of 2009, registrations in the UK (+7.8 percent) and Spain (+16.2 percent) were higher than in the previous year. Italy (-4.4 percent) and Germany (-27.5 percent), however, saw numbers decline. The steepest fall was recorded in Bulgaria (-37.8 percent) and the most important increase in Ireland (+52.3 percent).
