- The Toyota Prius was the first hybrid (gas + electricity) standard. The first generation was launched in 1997, the second in 2003 and third in 2009.

- The success of this model in Japan and in the world has started mainly with the third generation. Sales of the Prius in Japan increased from 73,000 units in 2008 to 209,000 in 2009 and 316,000 in 2010, 253,000 in 2011 (year of the tsunami) and of 318,000 units in 2012. The 2012 figures include the new version break / minivan called the Prius Plus (Prius Alpha in Japan).

- But the hybrid novelty of 2012 was the Prius C (Prius Compact) called Aqua in Japan. This model of 4 meters long (against the Prius 4.50 meters) was a huge success in Japan last year with 266,000 sales, while the model was starting up stage.

- This success has led to the doubling of the Japanese market for hybrids, 337 000 units in 2011 to 664,000 in 2012, a doubling of sales of the Prius models range from 253 000 units in 2011 to 584,000 in 2012. Toyota decided two years ago to develop a Prius range from the original model, which means that we can expect new variations in two or three years.

Data source: File #55 - Registrations in the World by makes 

- While we expect a decrease of 3% to 4% of the European passenger car market in May 2013 (compared to 2012), the major markets have experienced contrasting trends last month:

§Rising markets are, Chinese markets (+9.0%), Brazilian (11.1%), Argentinean (25.1%) Canadian (2.5%), Mexican (12.1%), American (5.1%), Turkish (22.1%).

§On the downside, the Japanese market (-16.5%), Russia (-12.0%), India (-8.9%).

§The Korean and Australian markets remained stable.

- On the cumulative five first months of 2013, while we expect a decrease of 6% of the European market, the world's major markets confirm the contrasting evolution of May:

§Raising markets are, the Chinese markets (+15.5%), Brazilian (9.1%), Argentinean (5.5%), Korean (2.5%), Mexican (10.0%), American  (3.6%), Turkish (21.3%).

§On the downside, the Japanese market (-7.7%), Russia (-4.3%), India (-10.0%) Canadian (-1.0%).

§The Australian market remained stable.

Data source: File #55 - Registrations in the World by makes 

Data source: File #55 - Registrations in the World by makes 

- Opel plans to produce the Mokka in Europe to meet the growing demand for this model. The leisure vehicle is currently only assembled in South Korea by GM Korea (formerly Daewoo).

- Since the launch of Mokka about six months ago, more than 100,000 orders were received in Europe, but these orders can not be accepted by the Korean plant during the start-up period of a new model.

- In the first five months of 2013, it had sold nearly 30,000 Mokkas in Europe, which accounts for nearly 10% of Opel's European sales, while the model is only in its initial phase.

- The Mokka is part of the small SUV segment which is very popular at the moment, like the Nissan Juke, Renault Captur and Peugeot 2008. Chevrolet (other brand of the GM group) also has a small SUV, the Trax, a renamed version of the Opel Mokka.

- The plant in Zaragoza (Spain) would be best placed to accommodate the production of the Mokka, because this small crossover is the same size as the Corsa and Meriva, and the utilisation rate of the plant this year fell under 60% of its capacity.

- While Opel faces many difficulties (including financial losses, underutilised plants and the consequences of the closure of the Bochum plant), the return of a model production in Europe is a sign of recovery for the brand.

Data source: File #105 - Production in Europe detailed by model and plant