European plants operated at 71% of their capacities in 2012
- The car plants operated at 71% capacity in 2012 in Europe (27 countries). The vehicle production volume has reached 17.3 million units for a total installed capacity of 24.3 million units (even though Antwerp, Termini and Trollhättan plants have been closed).
- This 71% figure is to be put in perspective with the 75% achieved in 2010 and 78% reached in 2008. Carmakers however do not have the same positioning.
- Some lack capacities (such as BMW with a 99% utilization rate of its plants, Hyundai-Kia with a 97% utilization rate)
- Some utilize their capacities at good levels (like Volkswagen with a 84% rate, Daimler with a 83% rate, Tata Motors with a 82% rate)
-Other have high overcapacities, and therefore an industrial tool more difficult to make profitable (such as Fiat with a 53% rate, Ford with a 60% rate, GM with a 65% rate, PSA with a rate of 64%, Renault-Nissan with a 69% rate).
- It is interesting to note that Nissan and Dacia plants have a 85% utilization rate of while the Renault plants have only a 57% utilization rate.
