Tech & Biz

German Car Sales Plummet

by Jordan Yerman | December 3, 2008 at 07:34 am

453 views | 7 Recommendations | 3 comments

Germany's auto market is declining at an unprecedented pace, with car sales in 2009 expected to drop to those of 1990.

Meanwhile, the nation's car manufacturers decry the punitive scale in the current EU carbon emissions proposal.

Germany's automakers are not alone in their plight.

Volkswagen itself has warned that the current sales environment is "difficult", while Daimler, owner of Mercedes-Benz, said the situation is "very challenging indeed".

German car sales are expected to slip to 2.9 million next year, down from the expected 3.1 million for 2008, says the trade body.

Car sales are also lower across Europe, with Italy's Fiat warning that its 2009 profits could fall by 65%.

Aside from the embattled US auto industry, other European automakers are also in dire straits.

Meanwhile, the Swedish government has said it would be prepared to offer financial support to Ford subsidiary Volvo, and GM unit Saab.

However, it said it would not be interested in nationalising the two companies.

ortugal's government on Wednesday announced a 200 million euro credit line for auto and car parts exporters as part of a support package to help the industry through a time of crisis and avoid job losses.

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halo761

at 14:57 on December 3rd, 2008

This is the Mercedes Benz showroom on the Champs Elysees in Paris, France. My lady and I were there in 2006 on an anniversary. What a place!

halo761 has contributed a photo to this story.

Crossomotive (not verified)

at 18:22 on December 3rd, 2008

As for Germany, Volkswagen I guess these cars should go head to head with a green concept. As for European manufacturers, I just can't stand how their Fiats develop.