Passenger car volumes in Western Europe increased by 0.6% in February compared with the same month last year but the market remains down 1.57% year-to-date compared with 2003, according to figures released by UK-based JATO Dynamics. JATO’s numbers broadly confirm figures released earlier this month separately by LMC-JD Power and ACEA. But JATO provides more segment and model detail.
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Last year’s overall top seller, the Peugeot 206, regained its top position over the Golf and Peugeot 307 as Europe’s most popular car while Renault overtook VW as the leading brand, followed by Ford, Peugeot and Opel/Vauxhall.
The top five makes’ combined share of the market fell by 1.7 points to 45.4% YTD while the top five Asian car brands (Toyota, Nissan, Hyundai, Mazda and Honda) increased by 1.8% to 13% YTD, indicating the steadily growing position being forged by Japanese and Korean car manufacturers in Europe at the expense of the traditional market leaders.
The lower-medium segment decline continues, down 9% on 2003 for the first two months of the year. The roll-out of the new VW Golf across the European markets is starting to have some effect though, up 10.8% on the same month last year. The upper-medium segment also maintains its downward trend, slipping 7.67% YTD, but the Toyota Avensis performed strongly, up 165% YTD against 2003.
The meteoric rise of mini/midi MPVs that has been linked to the decline in the lower-medium segment shows no signs of abating, increasing by 34.6% for the month and 29.9% YTD. The Renault Scénic takes the largest share of the sector with the new model helping to strengthen its position with an increase of 49.8% YTD.
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By GlobalDataSports cars, which saw good results in 2003, have now risen by 28% YTD largely fortified by increases for the BMW Z4 and Mercedes-Benz SLK. Growth appears to be steady in this sector but close scrutiny will be required to judge whether it can be sustained through the year.
The product-led growth of the high luxury segment in 2003 appears to have come to an end with volumes now down 18.9% YTD. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class leads the category but it is only the Jaguar XJ that shows any real sign of ongoing success with a massive increase of 302% YTD.
The mini segment which improved by 13.96% at the start of the year now slows down to a mere 0.78% increase YTD although the new Fiat Panda continues to advance, up 130% YTD compared with 2003 to take 25% of the sector.
Other segment highlights
o Mini – Asian models strong (Daihatsu Cuore/Charade +114%, Hyundai Atos/Amica + 23% and Daewoo Matiz +18% YTD).
o Supermini – Peugeot 206, Renault Clio and Fiat Punto lead but Asian makes show strongly (Toyota Yaris +14%, Nissan Micra +9.5%, Hyundai Getz +35% YTD).
o Lower-medium – Opel/Vauxhall Astra maintains position despite imminent arrival of next-generation model.
o Premium lower-medium – segment grows (+4.36% YTD) dominated by Audi A3 (43% share YTD) followed by Alfa Romeo 147 and VW Bora.
o Upper-medium – VW Passat leads Ford Mondeo, Opel/Vauxhall Vectra.
o Premium upper-medium – 13.57% down YTD; Audi A4/S4 leads with BMW 3-series a close second; Honda Accord up 99% YTD.
o Executive – decline reversed (+0.74% YTD); Alfa Romeo 166 up 55% YTD thanks to good reception in domestic market.
o High-luxury – down 18.9% YTD; Mercedes-Benz S-Class leads.
o Mini/midi-MPV – Renault Scénic leads Citroen Xsara Picasso.
o MPV – 13.6% down YTD; Kia Carnival/Sedona doing well (+32.8% YTD)
o Sports – BMW Z4 up 265% YTD, Mercedes-Benz CLK still leads.
· SUV – up 10.8% YTD dominated by Toyota RAV4 (12.4% share YTD) .
NB: ‘YTD’ = Year to date
