- The European passenger car market (27 countries) is down by 6.5% in the first half of 2013 compared to the first half of 2012, the month of June 2013 is in line with the previous month with a decrease of 6.3%. Some countries suffer more than others, mainly the Netherlands (-36,3%) due to the end of the tax exemption on the purchase of new cars since the 1st January, but also Ireland (-19 6%), Finland (-15.5%), Switzerland (-11.8%), France (-11.3%), Italy (-10.2%), Sweden (- 9.6%) and Germany (-8.1%).

- Britain (+10.0%) is the only country to experience a double-digit growth, thanks to significant price reductions practiced among manufacturers. Good news for, Greece, Spain and Portugal that seem to see the end of the collapse of their markets, these countries have actually reversed the trend for several weeks now with a gradual return of confidence among buyers.

- Overall, it will probably be 2019 before the European market recovers fully, even if the decline in sales should stop at the second half of 2013. Inovev provides that the European market has reached its lowest point in 2013 and sales are expected to rise again in 2014. But it is uncertain that the market will reach the record 2007 levels before the end of the decade.

- The Chinese carmaker Geely (GeelyEmgrand, Gleagle, Englon and Volvo) has signed a joint venture agreement with BelazCorproration the manufacturer of construction machinery and construction site management and with the equipment supplier Soyuz Corporation. This agreement covers the construction of a vehicle assembly plant with a capacity of 120 000 vehicles per year.

- The plant, which will be based in Borisov in the Minsk region, will initially produce  four models from the Geely brand: the SUV-GX7, the SC7 sedan , the SC5 and the LC Cross urban.

- The establishment of this plant:

       - Accompanied the development strategy of the group outside of China. Indeed, Geely is 100% Chinese group with the highest growth outside China,

       - Allows Belarus to welcome for the first time an automaker, in a territory previously empty of any automobile industry.

- In the first six months of 2013, the Geely brand has sold nearly 15,000 units in Russia and 7000 in Belarus, becoming the first Chinese brand in both countries.

Data source: File #101 - Worldwide production detailed by models  

Data source: File #101 - Worldwide production detailed by models  

Data source: File #55 - Registrations in the World by makes