The month of June recorded a slowdown in the European car market, which however closed up by 2,1%. Approximately one and a half million registrations were registered last month, while in the first half of 2017 more than 8,2 million new cars were registered, with a growth of 4,6% compared to the same period last year.
The European market was characterized by excellent results of Italy (+12,9% in June, +8,9% in the first half) and of Spain (+6,5% in June, +7,1% in the semester), while they slowed down Germany – the first European market – and also the UK (-4,8%), where the uncertainties about Brexit and the new tax for polluting vehicles weigh.
The excellent result of the Italian market is not surprising. Since 2013, the year of a dramatic drop in new car registrations, the trend has reversed and every year has closed with a positive result in terms of registrations. In this first semester the demand runs.
In a positive national context, encouraging data for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. In fact, the group achieved a better result than the market average: in June it increased its sales by 7,9% compared to 2,1% in Europe. FCA also increased sales in all major countries and market share rose to 6,9% from 6,6% in June 2016.
In terms of sales volumes, according to what was announced by Acea (the association of European manufacturers), the figures for June are very close to those of June 2007, a period just before the economic crisis.
The main industrial groups have done better than the market. Among all, Fiat Chrysler recorded a growth of 7,6%, driven by sales of the Fiat and Alfa Romeo brands - which continues to grow (+34%) - despite the slowdown in registrations of Jeep and Lancia Chrysler. Well too Volkswagen (+ 2,7%), Renault (+ 2,8%) and PSA Groups (+4%). Mercedes, Toyota, Nissan and Suzuki are also growing.
Overall, however, the results are encouraging. In 23 European markets, car registrations in the past six months increased compared to the same period in 2016.
