European production (EU +Turkey) in the first half of 2014

In the first half of 2014 vehicle production (PC + UV) in Europe increased by 2.7% compared to the first half of 2013, i.e. + 242 801 units. This increase was driven by passenger cars with +286 670 units (up 3.7%), however utility vehicles decreased by -3.9% with - 43 869 units.

The Top 5 manufacturing countries in Europe were on the rise. + 5% for Germany, +11% in Spain, +3% for France, +2% for England and +7% for Turkey. These five countries account for over 70% of total EU production. In contrast, the production levels of eight countries have declined, Austria (-46%), Slovakia (-19%), Italy (-16%), Czech Republic (-10%), Belgium (-7%), Slovenia (-7%), Romania (-6%) and Sweden (-5%). The main cause of this decline is the end of the product life cycle and production transfers .

Segments F (+ 14%), C (+12%) and A (+ 6%) made the most progress. Segments E (- 8%) and D (-3%) declined.

By body type, Sport vehicles and SUVs increased the most, with +27% and +12% respectively. The bodies down in the first half of 2014 are Minivans and Pick-ups.

By model, the VW Golf is the leaded with 368 111 units produced in the first half of 2014 (+18%), followed by the Ford Fiesta with 170 080 units , the Audi A3 with 172 653 units (+74%) due to the introduction of a 5 door and a 4-door sedan variant, and the Renault Clio with 164 223 units.

VW is still the leading European manufacturer with 2.4 million units (+ 1.3%) ahead of Renault-Nissan with 1.1 million units (+ 1.9%) and PSA with 1 million units (+ 4.5%). The groups that have the highest growth are Suzuki (+25%), Toyota (+21%) and GM (+16%).
 

14-25-1  


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Insight of the Brazilian market in the first half of 2014

Brazil is the second largest market in America (behind the United States) and the fifth largest market world wide with 1.6 million vehicles (PCs and CVs) in the first half of 2014.


The market decreased by 8% in the first six months of 2014 compared to the same period in 2013 In a country with weak economic growth and rising inflation, the car market is not immune to an environment where households are not confident. In addition, the market suffers from higher interest rates, reduced bank loans and rising vehicle prices because of added safety equipment made compulsory (airbags and ABS). The effects of the World Cup and the number of days of holidays, are more factors advanced by the ANFAVEA but are more difficult to measure, but may still have an impact. Traditionally in Brazil, the second half of the year is better, however, throughout the year, we can expect a market down by nearly 10%.


The majority of vehicles sold are B-segment vehicles (54% market share), which is pretty standard for a developing country.


Likewise, sedans remain the most popular bodies in the market (72%), followed by SUVs, which are mainly offered on higher segments (C and D).


By brand, Fiat is the historical leader (21% market share, i.e. 400 000 units) with 5 models in the Top 10 best-selling vehicles in the first half 2014. Followed by VW (19% of the market, i.e. 350 000 units) and Chevrolet (18% of the market, i.e. 330 000 units).

 

14-24-10-1  


14-24-10-2



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What about a Russian embargo on EU car imports?

In the Ukrainian conflict and following the sanctions of the United States and Europe against the Russian government, the Russian government responded by establishing an embargo on food imports from Europe, the United States, Australia and Norway. It also threatened to ban flights over its territory. No announcement on the auto industry has been made so far, but Europe is the largest exporter of vehicles towards Russia (1 of 2 vehicles imported to Russia comes from Europe), the possibility of an embargo on imports is not unthinkable and could have a negative impact on manufacturers.

In H1 2014, Russia imported 167 000 vehicles from Europe, 30% less than the same period last year. The share of European imports into the Russian market has decreased from 26% to 19% of the total market.

Countries that could be the most affected by a possible embargo are Great Britain, which exported 56 000 units to Russia in the the first half of 2014, followed by Germany 46 000 units and Spain with 22 000 units exported. France would be affected to a lesser extent because the majority of Renault-Nissan and PSA vehicles sold in Russia are produced locally.

Brands that are likely to be the most affected are Nissan (34 000 vehicles exported to Russia in H1 2014), followed by Hyundai (21 000 units). In third position Toyota (19 000 units) , followed by Mercedes (18 000 units) and VW (17 000 units).
 

14-24-7  


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A first Nissan-Mitsubishi electric vehicle will be released in 2016

One part of the agreement signed in November 2013 between the Renault-Nissan group and Mitsubishi, was focused on sharing technologies on electric vehicles and sharing last generation manufacturing platforms. We knew at that time that a vehicle from the "Kei-cars" segment would provide the base for an electric version.

We now know slightly more about this vehicle which is expected to be launched in 2016/2017 and that should have an attractive price range compared to other electric vehicles.

Thus, Nissan and Mitsubishi hope to market the future vehicle for a price of 1.5 million yen (after government subsidies), slightly less than 11 000 Euros based on the current exchange rate. This small vehicle would be much cheaper than the current Mitsubishi i-Miev (sold at about 18 000 Euros in Japan) and the Nissan Leaf (sold just over 20 000 Euros in Japan).

This future Nissan-Mitsubishi might replace the current Mitsubishi i-MiEV, which has sold at only 1 500 units in 2013, the future model would be positioned on the "Kei-cars" segment that currently doesn't have any electric vehicles. Let us recall that in 2013, the Japanese market for 100% electric vehicles was dominated by the Nissan Leaf (13 000 units sold) and by a Mitsubishi Minicab-MiEV (2 000 units).

No announcement has been made about a European launch, mainly because the segment of "Kei-cars" is not present in Europe, but also because this future Nissan-Mitsubishi would be in direct competition with the potential electric version of the Renault Twingo and would compete with the current Renault Zoe.
 

14-24-9  


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GM US product plan unveiled (2015-2018)

The GM group will probably produce close to 9,8 million vehicles (PC+UV) worldwide in 2014,  which will place the US carmaker as the third global player. In coming years, GM has decided to revamp key models of US marketed (Buick, Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac).


The renewal plan has already began but should reach a peak in 2015. Thanks to GM’s new product plan many models will be renewed. 


It must be noted that although traditionally GM waits a long time between vehicle generations. But this time it has decided to shorten the wait, hencemodels that weren’t due for a facelift before 2 years or more will be updated next year. On the other hand it seems that 2017 and 2018 may experience a slow in terms of vehicle replacement although GM has still time to plan ahead.


In 2013, GM’s best selling model in US, the Chevrolet Cruze, was sold at 688 000 units followed by another Chevrolet, the Silverado with 592 000 units and last but not least the Buick Excelle with 294 000 units.


GM like other manufacturers is increasingly making their models more and more global. A few years back GM had too many models and too many model variations in the world to be able to simultaneously update its vehicles.

 

14-24-8  


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