Car sales in the European Union in March fell by 20.5% relative to the same period in 2021, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA).

The drop continued for the sixth month in a row amid a persistent global shortage of semiconductor components, which negatively affects the automotive industry. In addition, the drop in sales accelerated against the backdrop of Russia’s military operation in Ukraine. In February, the figure fell by 6.7%.

According to ACEA, the number of cars registered last month in the EU (excluding Malta, statistics on which are not available) amounted to 844,187 thousand against 1 million 062,511 thousand for the same month a year earlier.

The four largest markets in the region showed a significant decline in sales: in Spain the figure fell by 30.2%, in Italy – by 29.7%, in France – by 19.5%, in Germany – by 17.5%.

The number of new car registrations in Europe (EU countries plus Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and the UK leaving the European Union on January 31, 2020) fell by 18.8% to 1 million 127.0778 thousand in March.

In the first quarter of 2022, new car registrations in the European Union fell 12.3% year-on-year to 2 million 245.976 thousand new passenger cars. January-March sales were down 24.4% in Italy, 17.3% in France, 11.6% in Spain and 4.6% in Germany.

Sales of Volkswagen Group (including Skoda, Audi, Seat, Porsche, etc.) last month decreased by 24.3%, Stellantis (combined Fiat Chrysler and PSA Group) – by 32.9%, BMW – by 20.5%, Mercedes-Benz – by 13.6%.

Sales of Renault Group cars decreased by 14.1%, including Lada cars – increased by 35.3% – to 211 cars.

Japanese Toyota Group and Nissan decreased sales by 12.2% and 32.4%, respectively. At the same time, Honda increased sales by 21.7%, Mazda – by 5.5%, South Korean Hyundai – by 0.5%.

The most significant drop in sales in March in the EU was registered by Jaguar Land Rover Group – by 54%.