Are Car Sales Slowing Down In Europe?
If there is a market that ignores indicators of economic growth, it is the automotive sector. Since 2008, there hasn't been a year that has gone by without manufacturers being thankful for growing sales, with only a few exceptions.
But is the party about to end? Have consumers finally run out of money for new cars?
A study by the firm JATO Dynamic suggests that might be the case. In May 2015, sales increased by 0.8% in Europe; this increase is the weakest since November 2013, and spring is supposed to be a good season for dealers. By comparison, sales rose 1.6% during the same period in the United States.
In Europe, the best-sellers - the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Fiesta and Renault Clio - all saw their sales numbers decrease, Renault being the biggest loser with sales down 11.8% for the Clio.
While gasoline is very expensive, and each month brings a new batch of anti-motorist laws, is it surprising to see the market's condition at this point? Is a slowdown inevitable? For now, the manufacturers do not seem too worried, as sales in emerging countries like China and Brazil are going well.
