- The utilisation rate of European plants declined last year (from 69% in 2012 to 68% in 2013) but is expected to increase in 2014 due to two key factors: the recovery of the European car market (+5.7 % over 8 months) and strong exports. The closure of the PSA plant at Aulnay in late 2013 also impacted the improved utilisation rate in Europe in 2014.

- The utilisation rate of European plants in 2014 should be between 70% and 72% depending on the growth rate of the European market that is currently slowing down (up 8% in the first quarter of 2014, up 4% in the second, up 3 % expected in the third) and the effects of falling exports to Russia (after the Ukrainian crisis). English and German factories (major exporters to Russia) could be the most impacted.

- Germany and the UK still remain the two countries whose factories have the highest utilisation rate (88% and 85%) whereas Italy is suffering, since it depends on the Fiat group, whose sales are at a low level currently.

- It is expected that during the year 2015 the progress of plant utilisation rates observed in 2014 will be consolidated with the expected growth of the European market (up 3% according to Inovev) and the arrival of new models in plants with overcapacity (Renault Twingo / Smart Forfour in Slovenia, Jeep Renegade / Fiat 500X in Italy), which could be exported outside Europe (Jaguar XE, Land Rover Discovery Sport…).

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