Sales of new cars decreased by 46.1 thousand in February compared to last year
In the first two months of the year, the decline reached 3.93% yoy
Iceland performed relatively the best (up 47.3% yoy) while sales in Norway showed the weakest change compared to the last year (down 23.8% yoy)
Sales of new passenger cars reached 804 thousand in February 2022 in the enlarged Europe (EU plus Iceland, Norway and Switzerland), according to ACEA. This is 5.43%, or 46.1 thousand less than in the previous year.
New passenger car registrations contracted further as car manufacturers continue to face supply chain disruptions. With 719,465 units sold across the EU, this was the weakest result in terms of volumes for the month of February since records began.
Historically, between 1990 and 2022, sales of passenger cars in Europe reached a high of 1,937 thousand in March 2017 and a low of 292 thousand in April 2020.
In February, most vehicles (201 thousand) were sold in Germany (up 3.17% yoy), followed by France (115 thousand, down 13.0%), Italy with 111 thousand cars (down 22.5%), 62.1 thousand new vehicles were registered in Spain (up 6.56%) and 59.0 thousand in the United Kingdom (up 15.0%). The five largest countries accounted for 60.8% of total new vehicles registered in February 2022.
In absolute terms, the best performance in sales of new cars has been seen in the United Kingdom (up 7.68 thousand cars) and Germany (up 6.16 thousand cars). At the other end of the scale, Italy and France showed the weakest change in registration of new cars in February when compared to last year (down 32.1 thousand and down 17.3 thousand cars, respectively).
In relative terms, sales in Iceland (+47.3%) and Portugal (+39.2%) performed the best compared to a year ago, whereas registration in Norway and Finland the worst (-23.8% and -22.9% yoy), in February 2022, according to ACEA:
The table below shows details of the sales for each of the European country:
| Country | February 2022 | February 2021 | YOY Change % | 1-2/2022 | 1-2/2021 | YOY Change % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austria | 16.1 | 19.9 | -18.9 | 31.7 | 34.0 | -6.69 |
| Belgium | 32.2 | 36.5 | -11.9 | 66.1 | 74.3 | -10.9 |
| Bulgaria | 1.94 | 1.66 | 17.0 | 3.98 | 3.43 | 16.0 |
| Croatia | 2.88 | 3.42 | -15.8 | 5.82 | 6.32 | -7.85 |
| Cyprus | 1.10 | 0.894 | 23.2 | 2.21 | 1.74 | 27.4 |
| Czechia | 14.2 | 14.7 | -3.15 | 30.5 | 29.5 | 3.42 |
| Denmark | 10.2 | 9.91 | 2.93 | 19.6 | 20.2 | -2.78 |
| Estonia | 1.41 | 1.63 | -13.6 | 3.13 | 3.61 | -13.3 |
| Finland | 6.30 | 8.17 | -22.9 | 14.2 | 17.5 | -19.1 |
| France | 115 | 133 | -13.0 | 218 | 259 | -15.7 |
| Germany | 201 | 194 | 3.17 | 385 | 364 | 5.64 |
| Greece | 8.55 | 6.69 | 27.8 | 14.1 | 14.5 | -2.66 |
| Hungary | 9.45 | 10.9 | -13.2 | 17.5 | 19.8 | -11.2 |
| Iceland | 0.816 | 0.554 | 47.3 | 1.70 | 1.22 | 39.6 |
| Ireland | 12.0 | 13.8 | -13.1 | 37.0 | 38.9 | -4.91 |
| Italy | 111 | 143 | -22.5 | 219 | 277 | -21.1 |
| Latvia | 1.10 | 1.08 | 2.23 | 2.29 | 2.07 | 10.9 |
| Lithuania | 1.90 | 2.24 | -14.8 | 4.15 | 4.54 | -8.59 |
| Luxembourg | 3.71 | 3.74 | -0.882 | 7.01 | 7.49 | -6.41 |
| Netherlands | 22.9 | 21.9 | 4.56 | 53.8 | 57.1 | -5.63 |
| Norway | 8.15 | 10.7 | -23.8 | 16.1 | 21.0 | -23.3 |
| Poland | 33.5 | 37.8 | -11.2 | 62.5 | 70.0 | -10.7 |
| Portugal | 11.6 | 8.31 | 39.2 | 21.4 | 18.3 | 16.7 |
| Romania | 8.62 | 6.90 | 24.9 | 18.0 | 12.9 | 39.2 |
| Slovakia | 6.01 | 5.54 | 8.51 | 11.7 | 8.86 | 32.6 |
| Slovenia | 3.81 | 4.83 | -21.3 | 8.13 | 9.22 | -11.9 |
| Spain | 62.1 | 58.3 | 6.56 | 104 | 100 | 4.22 |
| Sweden | 21.1 | 22.8 | -7.45 | 41.0 | 43.4 | -5.48 |
| Switzerland | 16.6 | 16.1 | 2.94 | 32.5 | 31.3 | 3.98 |
| United Kingdom | 59.0 | 51.3 | 15.0 | 174 | 142 | 23.0 |
| EU + EFTA | 804 | 850 | -5.43 | 1,626 | 1,693 | -3.93 |
Volkswagen Group sold the most cars in February 2022 in Europe, some 194 thousand vehicles representing 24.1% of the European market. Sales of PSA Group amounted to 118 thousand vehicles (or 14.7% of the market) while Hyundai Group and Renault Group held 9.50% and 8.90% of the European market in February. Overall, the five largest manufacturers sold 64.6% of all new cars in February:
When compared to last year, Hyundai Motor Company has gained the most in terms of market share rising its market position by 2.62 bp, followed by Toyota Motor Corporation (up 1.13 bp) and Honda Motor Company (up 0.272 bp). PSA Peugeot Citroen were on the other end of the market spectrum dropping 1.81 bp on the market alongside with Volkswagen Group (down 1.03 bp) and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (-0.775 bp):
In terms of particular brands, Volkswagen stands out as the most favorite brand accounting for 164 thousand sold vehicles, or 10.1% of all new passenger cars sold on the European market in February 2022.
In terms of momentum, Kia gained the most in terms of market share in the first month of the year 2022 (up 1.45 bp) followed by Hyundai and Toyota. Peugeot and Volkswagen were on the other end of the market spectrum losing -1.19 bp and -0.873 bp respectively:
Volkswagen Group sold 194 thousand new passenger cars representing a 24.1% share of all new passenger cars sold in Europe in February 2022. This is 11.6% fewer vehicles and a 1.67 pp decrease in market share when compared to last year. Looking back three years, VW's market share was 24.1%.
The Group sold 78.5 thousand of Volkswagen brand cars in February, followed by 42.2 thousand of Skodas and 41.5 thousand of Audis. Seat sold 26.3 thousand vehicles and Porsche some 4.75 thousand cars in February 2022:
PSA Group sold 118 thousand new passenger cars representing a 14.7% share of all new passenger cars sold in Europe in February 2022. This is 17.7% fewer vehicles and a 2.19 pp decrease in market share when compared to last year. By comparison, the market share three years ago stood at 17.3% and is down by 2.56 pp now.
The Group sold 50.5 thousand of Peugeots cars, followed by 33.2 thousand of Opels and 31.2 thousand of Citroens in February 2022:
BMW Group sold 59.3 thousand new passenger cars representing a 7.38% share of all new passenger cars sold in Europe in February 2022. This is 1.54% more vehicles and a 0.506 pp increase in market share when compared to last year. Compared to three years ago, BMW Group's market share is now 1.66 pp higher.
The group sold 45.6 thousand of BMW brand cars, followed by 13.8 thousand of Minis in February 2022:
Hyundai Group sold 76.2 thousand new passenger cars representing a 9.47% share of all new passenger cars sold in Europe in February 2022. This is 25.1% more vehicles and a 2.31 pp increase in market share when compared to last year. Compared to three years ago, Hyundai Group's market share is now 2.94 pp higher.
The group sold 39.1 thousand of Kia brand cars, followed by of s in February 2022:
Renault Group sold 71.3 thousand new passenger cars representing a 8.86% share of all new passenger cars sold in Europe in February 2022. This is 4.09% fewer vehicles and a 0.124 pp increase in market share when compared to last year. By comparison, three years ago, Renault Group's market share was 10.6%.
The group sold 41.8 thousand of Renault brand cars in February, followed by 29.2 thousand of Dacias and 0.142 thousand of Ladas:
FCA Group sold 45.6 thousand new passenger cars representing a 5.68% share of all new passenger cars sold in Europe in February 2022. This is 17.3% fewer vehicles and a 0.811 pp decrease in market share when compared to last year. By comparison, three years ago FCA Group's market share stood at 7.01%.
The group sold 30.4 thousand of Fiat brand cars in February, followed by 9.59 thousand of Jeeps and 1.48 thousand of Alfa-Romeos:
Toyota Group sold 56.9 thousand new passenger cars representing a 7.07% share of all new passenger cars sold in Europe in February 2022. This is 7.71% more vehicles and a 0.863 pp increase in market share when compared to last year. Toyota Group's market share three years ago, by comparison, stood at 4.62%.
The group sold 54.1 thousand of Toyota brand cars in February, with Lexus following at 2.81 thousand cars:
Jaguar Land Rover Group sold 5.04 thousand new passenger cars representing a 0.627% share of all new passenger cars sold in Europe in February 2022. This is 37.8% fewer vehicles and a 0.326 pp decrease in market share when compared to last year. Three years ago however, the market share of Jaguar Land Rover Group was 1.08%.
The group sold 3.58 thousand of Land Rovers in February, followed by 1.46 thousand of Jaguars:
Mercedes-Benz sold 48.0 thousand new passenger cars representing a 5.97% share of all new passenger cars sold in Europe in February 2022. This is 1.86% more vehicles and a 0.427 pp increase in market share when compared to last year. By comparison, three years ago, Mercedes-Benz's market share was 6.01%.
The group sold 46.1 thousand of Mercedes in February, followed by 1.93 thousand of Smart cars:
Ford sold 37.7 thousand new passenger cars representing a 4.69% share of all new passenger cars sold in Europe in February 2022. This is 11.5% fewer vehicles and a 0.324 pp decrease in market share when compared to last year. Compared to three years ago, Ford's market share is now 1.61 pp lower.
Volvo sold 19.3 thousand new passenger cars representing a 2.40% share of all new passenger cars sold in Europe in February 2022. This is 17.4% fewer vehicles and a 0.348 pp decrease in market share when compared to last year. Compared to three years ago, Volvo's market share is now 0.383 pp higher.
Nissan sold 13.8 thousand new passenger cars representing a 1.71% share of all new passenger cars sold in Europe in February 2022. This is 24.9% fewer vehicles and a 0.446 pp decrease in market share when compared to last year. Compared to three years ago, Nissan's market share is now 0.867 pp lower.
Mazda sold 9.72 thousand new passenger cars representing a 1.21% share of all new passenger cars sold in Europe in February 2022. This is 8.65% more vehicles and a 0.157 pp increase in market share when compared to last year. Compared to three years ago, Mazda's market share is now 0.216 pp lower.
Mitsubishi sold 4.74 thousand new passenger cars representing a 0.589% share of all new passenger cars sold in Europe in February 2022. This is 0.445% more vehicles and a 0.034 pp increase in market share when compared to last year. Compared to three years ago, Mitsubishi's market share is now 0.401 pp lower.
Honda sold 5.71 thousand new passenger cars representing a 0.710% share of all new passenger cars sold in Europe in February 2022. This is 68.3% more vehicles and a 0.311 pp increase in market share when compared to last year. Compared to three years ago, Honda's market share is now 0.055 pp lower.
Based on a comparison of 64 countries, China ranked the highest with 20,178 thousand passenger cars sold in 2020 followed by Japan and the USA. Total sales of passenger cars reached 53,599 thousand in 2020 in the world, according to ACEA. This is 15.9% less than in the previous year and 3.98% less than 10 years ago. Historically, total sales of passenger cars reached an all time high of 70,695 thousand in 2017 and an all time low of 11,000 thousand in 1961. The average annual growth stands at 2.39% since 1960.
The top ranked country, China, accounted for 37.6% of all passenger cars sold in the world. The top 3 countries held a 51.1% share while the ten largest countries some 75.9% in 2020.
China was the largest car producer in 2020 with 19,994 thousand followed by Japan and Germany. Total production of passenger cars reached 55,834 thousand in 2020 in the world, according to ACEA. China accounted for 35.8% of the world's production, while the top 3 countries held a 54.6% share and the ten largest countries some 79.3% in 2020:
Based on a comparison of 29 countries, Germany ranked the highest in sales of electric cars with 395 thousand followed by France and United Kingdom in 2020. When looking at the ratio of electric to total new cars sold, Norway ranked the highest with 74.8% followed by Iceland and Sweden:
By contrast, Bulgaria ranked the highest in the number of petrol-fuelled as a proportion of new cars sold with 84.7%, followed by Cyprus and Slovenia. In terms of diesel-fuelled vehicles, Ireland ranked the highest with 33.5% followed by Croatia and Luxembourg:
In 2016, Switzerland ranked the highest in 4x4 drive cars as a share of new cars sold with 42.1% followed by Norway and Sweden. Switzerland ranked the highest in the average power of new cars sold with 122 kW followed by Luxembourg and Sweden:
Based on the latest available data, Lithuania, Estonia and Romania were the countries with the oldest average age of passenger cars. The average age was an ancient 16.8 years in Lithuania, 16.7 years years for Estonia and 16.5 years years in Romania. On the other end of the scale was Austria with 8.30 years years, the United Kingdom with 8.00 years years and Luxembourg with 6.50 years years.
Based on a comparison of 27 firms among Global Car Producers, Volkswagen Group generated the highest sales in 2019 followed by Toyota Motor Corporation and Daimler Group. At the same time, Toyota Motor Corporation had the highest market value followed by Volkswagen Group and Tesla Inc.:
Volkswagen Group generated the highest earnings before interest costs, taxes and depreciation (so called EBITDA) in 2019 followed by Toyota Motor Corporation and General Motors. At the same time, Ferrari generated the highest EBITDA Margin followed by Porsche AG and BMW Group.
Ferrari produced the highest net profit per car sold in 2019 followed by Porsche AG and Toyota Motor Corporation. Ferrari made a net profit of USD 77,831 for each car sold, down 21.7% compared to the previous year.
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