Volkswagen signs a year in the average 1

Without the decline in the last three months of the year, the 2008 vintage was rather good for the car manufacturers who compete in France. For an exercise that many announced as apocalyptic, the annual review is finally more than honourable, especially compared to neighbouring countries such as the Spain, Great Britain or the Italy: registrations of passenger cars for the entire year decreased by only 0.7, from once again the symbolic bar of the 2 million deliveries, 2.050 million. He must go back to the period 1997-1998 to less than 2 million statistics. Another positive aspect for the French manufacturers, they have managed to increase their total market share won 52.8 of the total sales of the year, against 51.8 in 2007.

Strong downturn in December

But, in truth, 2008 contains two years in a. "The year has been very patchy, since the market was up 4.5 on the first six months and that it fell by 6.3 over the last six, observes the Committee of French automakers (CCFA). Like its European neighbors, the French market suffers the effects of the global financial crisis.

December is found on a decline of 23.5 and 15.8 of the registration, over a year, to comparable number of working days. But this decline was largely predictable: in December 2007, the dealers had registered all their 4 x 4 and minivans in stock, so be hit by new malus introduced the following month. This had led a unique bond of 21.1 of the market at this time, which gave a particularly high baseline for the last month. "Without these purchase expectations, December 2008 volume would have been similar to that of December 2007", according to market analysis firm Mavel. It was nevertheless disappointed last figures: "it has not yet been reviving the market as expected the introduction of a premium in the case in December", finds. The new premium has apparently resulted in an increase in orders those of Citroen rose 30 percent in December but not yet of the registrations.

For December, Peugeot is left for a further decline of 6.6 of its deliveries. Citroën progresses at the same time of 6.3, while Renault fall of 22.4 excluding Dacia. Step miracle, therefore, in December.

Overall, the annual trend shows despite all not so bad as this market: the Group Renault is certainly very below its forecast, but managed to end 2008 on a growth of volumes ( 1.3 free Dacia) and 3.5 with the producer of the Logan. PSA ends also correctness in the Green ( 1), with Citroën ( 4.3), which is the land granted by Peugeot ( 1.6).

Not many reasons for satisfaction among major importers. Volkswagen signs a year in the average ( 1.3 for the brand and 1.1 for the Group), Toyota is much less valiant than in years past ( 10.8). Only the brand Fiat, specialized in small models, passes the band crisis (38.4). Other positive annual reviews at Nissan, Renault ally ( 18.3), Mini ( 18.5), the mark Ford ( 8.8), and the Smart small ( 7.5).