New car registrations on the rise

According to Marketwatch, new car registrations in the European Union are rising by up to 3 per cent, compared to last year's figures.

In February this year, registrations in Europe rose to 974,346, compared to around 945,000 during the same period in 2009, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association.

Registrations were highest in the UK, France, Italy and Spain, offsetting the strong decline shown in Germany. The UK recorded an increase of 26 per cent, due in part to the scrappage scheme, with Spain showing a rapid increase of 47 per cent, Italy 21 per cent and France 18 per cent. Meanwhile, Germany saw a 30 per cent decrease in new car registrations, despite it having Europe's second largest economy.

Toyota and Volkswagen reported new car registrations falling by 21 per cent and 2.2 per cent respectively. The former surely attributed to a worldwide recall strategy and the latter, to a slow down of the car market in its home country. This is worrying news for the two brands that are associated with good build quality and customer service.

Nevertheless, Fiat, Renault and Peugeot saw their registrations rise, with French car manufacturer Renault reporting a 30 per cent increase in demand as car buyers rushed to order their new models.

 

Andrew Stevenson, Mansfield, Toyota Yaris

Mark Titcombe, Swindon, Subaru Impreza