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JATO Dynamics, a provider of automotive data and intelligence, today reports that after a strong start to the year, March proved to be a more difficult month for the European car market, with a drop of 9.7 per cent (175,738 units) compared to the same month last year, posting a total sales volume of 1,631,810 units.

"It's disappointing to see such a large percentage drop during March but it's hardly surprising in view of the difficult economic climate that is prevailing in some of the core European markets," said Nasir Shah, global business development director at JATO.

"Additionally, the March market wasn't helped by the early arrival of the Easter holiday and the corresponding reduction in available trading days."

Thanks to the relatively strong market in the first two months of the year, the year-to-date figures are more favourable, with the market down only 1.9 per cent (81,238 units) on last year, to total year-to-date sales of 4,093,307 units.

Shah added: "In some respects, the March figures are greater than they might otherwise have been, thanks to the UK's registration plate change during the month. This is a peak sales month in the UK and always has the effect of inflating the March figures in Europe."

Volkswagen continues its dominance of the European market, heading the sales league in both March and year-to-date, ahead of Ford, Opel/Vauxhall, Renault and Peugeot.

With the market depressed, most brands suffered reduced sales volumes in March. Those that recorded increased registrations compared to March 2007, however, have recorded significant increases, with Nissan up 38.1 per cent, Mini up 21.8 per cent, Dacia up 26.9 per cent, Smart up 91 per cent, Dodge up 57.9 per cent and Maserati up 80 per cent.

Year-to-date there are more success stories, including Fiat up 3.2 per cent, BMW up 7.4 per cent, Honda up 1.5 per cent, Mazda up 6.8 per cent and Kia up 4.8 per cent .

The Peugeot 207 continues to perform outstandingly well for the French car-maker and was again Europe's top-selling new car in March with 46,500 units registered, ahead of the Ford Fiesta (45,666 units), Volkswagen Golf (45,484 units), Opel/Vauxhall Corsa (45,459 units), Ford Focus (45,274 units), Opel/Vauxhall Astra (43,794 units), Renault Clio (39,123 units), Fiat Punto (32,890 units), BMW 3-Series (29,397 units) and Volkswagen Polo (29,356 units).

The Fiesta's performance is particularly impressive given the publicity surrounding its replacement model following its reveal at the Geneva show at the start of March.

9:33am Wednesday 16th April 2008

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