The number of used cars sold in western Europe was close to 22 million in the first nine months of 2004, a million or 4% up on the same period in 2003, according to independent market analyst Datamonitor.
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Sales of used cars in Italy recorded the strongest growth with a 22% increase while volume in the Netherlands and Germany declined by 4% and 3% respectively. The overall ratio between used and new car sales decreased in the UK, Belgium and Germany and increased in Italy, France, and the Netherlands.
Smart and Mini were Europe’s top sellers, with volumes up 52% and 38% respectively.
Renault remained the leading used-car brand in western Europe with an 11.5% market share.
The six leading manufacturers – Renault, Ford, Opel, Volkswagen, Peugeot and Fiat – accounted for about 60% of the used car market market.
Private transactions accounted for 46% of used car sales, followed by franchised dealers with a 35% share.
Cars over five years old accounted for the largest proportion of sales at 57%. Sales of used cars less than a year old increased 3.6% year on year.
Across all seven western European countries, the multi-purpose vehicles sector (minivans) showed significant growth of almost 27% in used volume in the first nine months of 2004.
