International automotive markets with mixed half-year

The international automotive markets painted a mixed picture in the first half of the year. Disrupted value and logistics chains are still putting a strain on markets and production, with the lack of semiconductors in particular having a limiting effect. The war in Ukraine continues to cause uncertainty, primarily in Europe. The high price dynamics in the USA and in Europe are also burdening the markets.

The European passenger car market (EU27, EFTA & UK) reached a volume of 5.6mn cars in the first half of the year and was thus 14% below the previous year's level. The five large European individual markets each recorded double-digit reductions in sales: in Germany and Spain, new registrations fell by 11%, in the United Kingdom by 12%. In France, sales fell somewhat more sharply at -16%. Italy had to cope with the largest declines (-23%). In June, new registrations in Europe were almost 1.1mn passenger cars, almost 17% lower than in the same month last year.

In the US light vehicle market (cars and light trucks), 6.8mn brand-new vehicles were sold in the first half of the year (-18%). Sales of passenger cars fell by 25% and thus fell more than sales of light trucks (-16%). The latter recently accounted for around 79% of the total market. In June, sales of 1.1mn light vehicles were 13% below the previous year's level.

The Chinese passenger car market grew by almost 4% in the first half of the year. A total of 10.2mn cars were sold in the first six months. Sales in June were 2.2mn new vehicles (+42%), a new June record. Among other things, the high demand that had built up during the lockdowns in recent months materialized here.

In Japan, passenger car sales fell by 16% in the first half of the year compared to the previous year. In June, sales reached a level of 268,100 cars, around 10% less than in June of the previous year. For a year now, the Japanese car market has been consistently declining.

The Russian light vehicle market suffered a significant slump in the first half of the year due to the sanctions imposed. In the first six months, 370,200 light vehicles were sold, 57% fewer than in the first half of 2021. In June, sales of 29,900 light vehicles were 82% below the previous year's level.

The Indian passenger car market has seen significant growth over the course of the year to date. At 1.8mn passenger cars, sales were 16% above the previous year's level. In June, an increase of 19% to 275,800 cars was achieved compared to the same month last year. The recent high growth rates were favored by the low car sales due to a COVID19 wave in the previous year.

From January to June, 853,100 light vehicles (passenger cars and light duty) were sold on the Brazilian light vehicle market (passenger cars and light duty) – 15% fewer than in the first half of 2021. In June, sales of 165,700 vehicles were recorded which is only a slight decline of -2%.