“The National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) is encouraged by the continued growth of passenger car registrations in the EU”, said Sue Robinson, Director of the NFDA, commenting on figures published by ACEA. The NFDA represents franchised car and commercial vehicle retailers across the UK.
In June, there was a large increase of 14.6% in passenger car registrations, continuing a longer term 22-month trend of growth. The UK, along with Spain, Italy, Germany and France saw double digit growth, although Spain experienced by far the largest rise. The UK tied with Germany, both seeing an increase of 12.9% over-the-month, whilst Spain experienced an enormous increase of 23.5%.
So far this year, new passenger registrations have increased 8.2%. The UK, with an increase of 7%, was in third place in Europe behind Spain, where registrations were up 22%, and Italy, which has experienced an increase of 15.2%.
Robinson continued, “The growth in the European car market demonstrates that European economies are experiencing a gradual recovery from the economic downturn. It shows European consumers are feeling more confident as their employment prospects improve and household budgets come under less pressure. We are hopeful this trend will continue as European economies grow and make up for the lost sales of the recession years.”
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS:
Susan Pollock, Communications Officer
Direct: 020 7307 3424
Fax: 020 7307 3406
Web: www.rmif.co.uk Email: susan.pollock@rmif.co.uk
The Retail Motor Industry represents the interests of operators in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man providing sales and services to motorists and businesses. The RMI has a formal association with the independent Scottish Motor Trade Association which represents the retail motor industry in Scotland.