September 2023 European Passenger Car Sales Drop

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The Western Europe passenger vehicle (PV) selling rate slowed to 11.4 million units annually in September from 14.6 million a year in August, registering 1.1 million vehicles (+11.1% Year over Year). The region’s growth continues to be driven by improved supply of components and higher delivery rates, according to figures just released by the GlobalData consultancy.*

“All the top five Western European markets continued to experience double digit YTD growth over the weak performances seen in 2022. However, generally across the region, economies still face challenging conditions with high inflation and high financing costs. We continue to forecast solid growth for the full year, with 2023 set to be the best year since 2019,” said the European Light Vehicle Sales Forecasting Team.

GlobalData Observations

The UK and Italy both performed strongly in YoY terms, with double-digit growth of 21.0% and 22.8% respectively (September being a key month in the year for the UK market because of the required number-plate change).

Germany and Spain, however, performed weakly with growth of -0.1%YoY and 2.3% YoY respectively, against low bases.

France continued its recovery, at156,000, 10.7% higher YoY, with a selling rate of 1.9 million units/year. YTD the market has accumulated 1.3 million vehicle registrations, ~16% higher than YTD September 2022.

The Italian PV market registered 136,000 in September, up 22.8% YoY and with a selling rate of 1.7 million units/year. Despite the strong growth this month – the YTD figure of 1.2 million units up 21% from YTD September 2022 – the market is still performing well below pre-pandemic 2019 levels.

Spain’s PV market selling rate remained flat from August to September at 1,000,000 units/year, with total monthly sales of 69,000 units (+2.3% YoY). The monthly registration figure was again helped by easing supply issues. However, political uncertainty and high inflation are among risks. YTD the market has sold 711,000 units, which is 18.5% higher than the volume of sales recorded YTD September 2022.

*GlobalData says that “4000 of the world’s largest companies, including over 70% of FTSE 100 and 60% of Fortune 100 companies, make more timely and better business decisions thanks to GlobalData’s unique data, expert analysis and innovative solutions, all in one platform. GlobalData’s mission is to help our clients decode the future to be more successful and innovative across a range of industries, including the healthcare, consumer, retail, financial, technology and professional services sectors.” J.D. Power is also part of GlobalData. Inquiries at: [email protected] or www.globaldata.com