- In 2012, the global market grew by 4.9% compared to 2011: +5.9% for PC (Passenger cars)and 1.8% for LUV (Light Utility Vehicles). Nearly 80 million vehicles were registered last year. China accounted for a quarter of the global market (19.3 million units, of which 15.5 million PC).

- In 2011, the global market grew by 4.6% compared to 2010. The tsunami affected Japanese registrations which fell  by 15% last year. In year 2012 Japan caught up on its market (with a +27.6 % increase versus 2011), but the European market fell by 8% last year (fifth consecutive  year of decline).

- In 2013, the global market is expected to grow by less than 3% compared to 2012, while the European market is expected to decline by 3% (sixth consecutive year of decline.)

- The market for BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) should represent 40% of global sales in 2013 against 38% in 2012.

- In 2012, 19.3 million  vehicles (PC + LUV) were sold in China, 3.8 million in Brazil, 3.6 million in India  and 3.2 million in Russia, i-e. altogether 30 million vehicles on the BRIC market.  This region has drawn the global automotive industry for several years.

- It is to be noted that the U.S. and the (27 countries) Europe had a similar size in 2012.

- Nissan introduced the new Infiniti Q50 (Infiniti is the luxury brand of Nissan) which replaces the G37, which dated back from 2007.

- This new model is based on the style of the great Infiniti M. The line is very classic and sporty. The rear side window cut gives an Infinity identity to the vehicle, as it is also part of the styling of other vehicles of the carmaker.

- The Q50 will have to compete with the Lexus IS (which has to be renewed), the BMW 3 Series, the Audi A4, the Mercedes C-Class and  the Volvo S60. It will be marketed primarily in North America, Europe and Russia.

- The Q50 marks the beginning of the renewal of the Infiniti range. Infiniti  will launch in late 2014 the first compact vehicle of its brand. This vehicle , based on a Mercedes platform, will be manufactured in England and compete  with the Lexus CT, BMW 1 Series, Audi A3, Mercedes A Class and Volvo V40.

- All three Premium German carmakers BMW, Audi and Mercedes have broken their sales  record in 2012.

- These three manufacturers have altogether sold 4.32 million vehicles in 2012, representing 5% of the global market.

- In 2012, BMW sold 1.54 million vehicles (versus 1.38 million in 2011), Audi sold 1.46 million vehicles (versus 1.30 million in 2011), Mercedes sold 1.32 million vehicles (versus 1.26 million in 2011).

- Europe is the traditional market driver for three brands (BMW sold 641,000 vehicles in 2012, Audi 704,000 vehicles  and Mercedes 587,000 vehicles in Europe). But the United States and China markets become increasingly important. Last year BMW sold 281,000 vehicles in the U.S. and 326,000 in China, Audi 139,000 vehicles in the U.S. and 406,000 in, Mercedes 295,000 vehicles in the U.S. and 196,000 in the China. Europe, the United States and China account now for nearly 85% of global sales of these three manufacturers market in 2012, at a level similar to previous years’. The top three importers are Germany Volkswagen, BMW and Daimler.