European Sales Continue Free Fall in April

PARIS – European car registrations fell 6.9% in April, slowing the region’s year-to-date decline to 7.5%.

Two of the five major markets, Germany and the U.K., continued their slight growth at 2.9% and 3.3%, respectively. France came close to break-even for the first time this year, with deliveries slipping 1.9%. Sales worsened markedly in Spain, down 21.7%, and continued skidding in Italy, down 18.0%.

European economies continue to struggle with no end in sight. Fiscal problems are disastrous in Greece and bad in Spain, Italy, Portugal and Ireland. Combined deliveries in those five countries tumbled 18.2% for the year.

Only nine countries enjoyed positive results in April, and four showing year-to-date increases saw sales drop in the month: Austria, Romania, Finland and Bulgaria.

Among volume auto makers, Renault and Fiat remained in the doldrums. Renault deliveries slumped 15.1% in April and 21.3% for the year, while Fiat dropped 11.5% last month and 18.2% year-to-date.

Volkswagen, last year’s growth champion, saw sales fall 5.8% in the month and were down 1.5% from like-2011. PSA Peugeot Citroen eked out a small gain, but Ford was off 8.6% and General Motors declined 10.9%, despite a significant increase in Chevrolet deliveries.

Consistent gainers this year continue to be Korean auto makers Hyundai and Kia and the luxury brands. Jaguar Land Rover sales climbed 29.3% in April and 32.4% for the year, while positive results also were reported by BMW, Audi and Daimler.