In total last month ended on a decline of 18

Sales of new cars in Europe declined less in February than in January, but the diving continuing. In total, last month ended on a decline of 18.3 of the registrations on a year that would have been even more mass without the rebound of the Germany, first European automotive market. The success of the premium German case-sensitive (2.500 euros in exchange for the disposal of a car for nine years and more) has indeed led to pounce sales of 21.5, in contrast to all other countries.

But this incentive program, which benefits primarily to generalist brands, whose order books are replenishing, will have a time: Berlin having fixed the total envelope of 1.5 billion bonus, it is likely to stop prematurely as soon as the ceiling will be reached. Other countries, including the France, took action nearby but less generous financially. "We do not believe that these aid plans will have a lasting impact." "Positioned at the bottom of the price or low range builders will profit in the short term, but the result will remain marginal for the premium brands," said Felix Mogge, the Office of consultants Roland Berger.

By greater region, the countries of the East, which accounted for it recently a very promising market, saw their shipments of cars collapse of 30.3 last month, then Western Europe decreased by 17.3 (including 13.2 for the France). "The car is clearly property whose purchase can be pushed in mature countries: market can therefore very low down when things are going poorly economically", is a leader of a European manufacturer. However, thanks to the different national support measures, the West European market may decline of "only" 15 this year, predicts IHS Global Insight, to finish the year 2009 on a volume of 11.5 to 11.6 million units.

Setback for Volkswagen

By manufacturers, the Volkswagen Group is benefiting from its high exposure on the German market, with a monthly decline of its sales limited to 10.2. But the brands Mercedes ( the gap) Mercedes ( l' écart) ( 28,8 ), qui s' à des les aisés et BMW qui s' adressent des clients plus (34,2 ) ( 28,8 ), qui s' à des les aisés et BMW qui s' adressent des clients plus (34,2 ) ( 28.8 per cent), which is qui s' à des les aisés et BMW qui s' adressent des clients plus (34,2 ) to a à des les aisés et BMW qui s' adressent des clients plus (34,2 ) the affluent and BMW qui s' target des clients plus (34,2 ) des clients more plus (34,2 ) ((34,2 ) 34.2) qui s' qui s' qui s' qui s' qui s' Among the French, the ball of oxygen of the German market is not enough to offset the collapse of the southern Europe. PSA Peugeot Citroën is withdrawal of 25.3, leaving 1.2 point of market share in a year, and the Group Renault wilt of 23.1. Yet, thanks to the filling of small cars order books, the Group of Carlos Ghosn said "in circulation" in several factories, including Flins (Yvelines), Novo Mesto (Slovenia) or Pitesti (Romania). The tandem Opel-Vauxhall, who currently plays his survival, declines on the month of 21.9, is a small little less than the two French.