The German passenger car market has fallen under the 3 million vehicle threshold
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- The German car market fell below the threshold of 3 million passenger cars in 2013 to 2 952 431 units (-4.2%), this is the second time this has happened in twelve years. The first time occurred in 2010, but it was only the aftermath of the scrappage incentives introduced in the country in 2009. In 2013, it isn't so much a aftermath, but more of a consequence of the general state of the economy in the euro area.
- Inovev however expects a trend reversal from 2014 or 2015, this market should once again rise above 3 million units, thanks to an economic recovery throughout the euro area.The leader of the German market in 2013 remained the Volkswagen group (39% market share), which largely dominates its competitors.It is well ahead of the two "premium" groups Daimler (10%) and BMW (9%). In fourth place lies the GM group that has lost much influence over the last ten years (it was formerly second). Renault-Nissan (7%) and Ford (4%), the latter having also lost much influence in several years in favour of the Hyundai-Kia group (5%).
- Four models of the Volkswagen brand occupy the first six places in the German market. The model the most sold in 2013 in this market is the VW Golf (244 249 units) in front of the VW Passat (72 048 units), followed by the BMW 3 Series (69 486 units), the VW Polo (68 343 units), the Audi A3 (60 978 units) and the VW Tiguan (57 838 units).
Read more... The German passenger car market has fallen under the 3 million vehicle threshold
The German car fleet by brand and by region
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Manufacturers SUV production in Europe
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- Even if the market for SUVs (and crossovers) has continued to grow in Europe for a dozen years, the production of SUVs (and crossovers) marked a pause in 2013 (as in 2009) due to clearance organised by manufacturers, a reduced sales price of large SUVs (eg Volkswagen) and the end of the life cycle of the segment leader (Nissan Qashqai) that will be replaced early 2014.
- By manufacturer, the Volkswagen Group remains the European leader of SUV sales in 2013, almost on par with the Renault-Nissan group that maintained its position thanks to the good sale figures of the Dacia Duster and the arrival of the Renault Captur. Behind these two SUV leaders (650 000 units produced for each of them), follows far behind the Tata Group (Land Rover) which produced 350 000 units. Followed by BMW, Hyundai-Kia, PSA and Volvo.
- By segment, we can see on the chart below that the SUV boom in Europe was possible thanks to a broadening towards segment C from 2007 to 2012 and then another towards segment B from 2010 to 2013, while segments D, E and F have been sluggish or on the decline. The offer has therefore focused in recent years on SUV segment B and C.
- By model, we can observe thanks to the graph on the next page that out of the 30 models produced in Europe, the Nissan Qashqai, VW Tiguan, Nissan Juke and Land Rover Evoque represent a third of total European production of SUVs.
Bentley has registered record sales in 2013
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- Despite the downturn in the car market in Europe, the luxury car manufacturer Bentley has registered a record sales volume in 2013: 10 120 units. The previous record was in 2006 with 10 034 sales.
- In North America, its biggest market, the Bentley brand sold 3 140 cars last year. Europe is its second largest market for Bentley, with 2 860 sales (including 1 380 in England). China is the third largest market (2 190 sales). All other regions totalled 1 930 sales.
- The luxury subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group has both the success of luxury cars on a growing Chinese market and a range of recently restyled models (2010-2011 for GT / GTC and 2013 for the Flying Spur sedan).
- Its direct competitor, Rolls-Royce (formerly linked to Bentley) has for its part been left behind in 2013 since it only sold 3 630 cars last year, which is certainly a respectable score, but does not exceed the record set in 2011 with 3 762 units.
- It is true that the price range goes from 180 000 to 300 000 euros for Bentley, while it goes from 250 000 to 450 000 euros for Rolls-Royce. A Mercedes S-Class is much cheaper (80 000 to 120 000 euros).
- The Bentley range now consists of two styles (the average range Continental and Upper range Mulsanne) and will soon have a third range: SUV that is expected to be unveiled in 2016-2017.
In Europe segment A is expected to grow in 2014-2015-2016
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- Segment A is expected to increase during 2014-2015-2016 in Europe particularly depending on the arrival in the market of new products such as the Renault Twingo, Smart Fortwo, Citroen C1, Peugeot 108, Toyota Aygo and Ford Ka, but also thanks to the recovery (moderate) of French, Spanish and Italian markets.
- "Premium" positioned carmakers consisting of the Fiat 500 and the Opel Adam is expected to grow slightly. Unless there are last minute changes, there should be no new competitors to these two vehicles for the period 2014-2015-2016, unless there is a new Smart Fortwo. The Audi (A0?) and BMW (Series 0?) could nevertheless position themselves on this segment, but for now no announcements have been made.
- Thanks to the new product effect and the recovery of South European markets, segment A could regain a market share of 10% to 12% between 2014 and 2016 (without scrappage incentives), while the 12% peak in 2009 was achieved through these bonuses.
- Since B-segment cars evolve in terms of size, prices and services, the usual buyers of this segment could turn to segment A. In addition, EU regulations (consumption, pollution, access to urban centres ...) push consumers towards the small car market.
- However, development of low cost ranges in segment B (example: Dacia Sandero) could limit the growth of cars from segment A. In fact for the price of a segment A car, the potential buyer can acquire a simpler car with higher benefits (especially roominess).
Read more... In Europe segment A is expected to grow in 2014-2015-2016