European car sales fell to a record decline in 2020.
Overall sales for the European Union fell 23.7%. Just 9.9 million new vehicles have been registered. This is down from the new 13m car registered in 2019.
The biggest fall was in Spain, with sales down 32.3%. In Italy, sales fell 27.9% and in France it fell 25%.
However, amid the initial lockdown, sales were weak throughout the pandemic in March and April.
“Containment measures, including full-scale lockdowns and other restrictions throughout the year, had an unprecedented impact on car sales across the European Union. In 2020, demand for cars showed the biggest drop in; said industry body ACEA.
In the UK, automobile sales fell by more than 29% last year, down 1.63m from 2.3MA.
“We are pleased to announce that we are committed to providing a range of services and services to delivering the most innovative and affordable experience,” said Mike Hawes, CEO of SMMT. “2020 is considered a ‘lost year’ for cars, and the sector is at the expense of uncertainty about future trading terms under a pandemic-intensified shutdown for much of the year.
“However, with the vaccine rollout and clarity surrounding new relationships with the EU, we must recover for a year in 2021. The manufacturers have a record number of electrified vehicles over the coming months. “We are bringing it to the market, and we will work with the government to encourage drivers to switch, encourage investment in world-renowned manufacturing sites, and recharge the market, industry and the economy.”
Sales of electric vehicles have almost tripled this year, but sales of gasoline and diesel vehicles have plummeted.
SMMT commented on the ongoing demand for batteries and hybrid vehicles.
“BEV recorded its third-highest registered share in history at 9.1%, while PHEV share rose to 6.8%.
