Auto Sales in EU Fall to 23-Year Low for January

The latest report from the European Automotive Industry Association indicates that EU auto registrations fell to 918,280 cars in January 2013, 8.5% lower compared to the previous January, which sinks EU auto sales to their lowest levels since 1990.

High-volume automakers like FordFordUnited States of America, 1903 > present92 models
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(down 26%), PSA PeugeotPeugeotFrance, 1882 > present120 models
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-CitroënCitroënFrance, 1919 > present94 models
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(down 16%) and ToyotaToyotaJapan, 1937 > present155 models
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(down 16%) suffered the worst losses.

The volume brands to buck the trend were OpelOpelGermany, 1863 > present85 models
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, which was helped by good sales of the MokkaOpel Mokka Gen.1Germany, 2012 > present55 versions
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and AdamOpel ADAM Gen.1Germany, 2012 > present25 versions
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, and KiaKiaRepublic of Korea, 1944 > present52 models
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. DaciaDaciaRomania, 1966 > present11 models
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also did well and boosted sales by 8.5%

Even VolkswagenVolkswagenGermany, 1938 > present98 models
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Group, which has controlled the European auto industry in recent years, had its sales fall 5.5%. However, its market share in Europe actually went up 0.8% to 24.4%.

FiatFiatItaly, 1899 > present159 models
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Group has not been able to control its sales freefall yet. Its group sales were down 12% in January. Alfa RomeoAlfa RomeoItaly, 1910 > present108 models
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fell an astounding 37%, and LanciaLanciaItaly, 1906 > present60 models
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was down 32%. Fiat as a brand did relatively well by having its sales fall only 4%.

Luxury brands continue to remain strong, despite the weak market. BMWBMWGermany, 1918 > present87 models
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, MercedesMercedes-BenzGermany, 1924 > present197 models
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and JaguarJaguarUnited Kingdom, 1922 > present53 models
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Land RoverLand RoverUnited Kingdom, 1978 > present15 models
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all had increased sales. 

Source: Automotive News Europe