The recent bad weather has discouraged visits to showrooms and as a result German passenger car sales fell 2% in February compared to a year earlier, to 216,000 units.
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A strong start to the year in January, however, means that year-to-date sales are up 4%, supported by strong interest in new models such as the BMW 3-series, Mercedes B-Class, Opel Zafira and VW Passat estate.
This model offensive has resulted in German manufacturers recording a 5% increase in sales, and a 70% market share.
Order intakes for the domestic market were up 7% in February, and 6% for export.
Passenger car exports drove strong production growth in February. Exports reached 338,100 cars, up 11% on a year earlier, giving year-to-date growth of 10%.
US demand for German-built cars was particularly strong, up 15% in February. The US is Germany’s largest car export market.
German passenger car production was up 5% to 452,900 units.
