European Union Auto Sales Plummet More Than 50% In March

Sales of cars and SUVs in the European Union (EU) plummeted a record 55% in March as showrooms and factories closed because of the coronavirus crisis, and amongst the big manufacturers, BMW emerged as the most successful with deliveries only down 40.7%, ACEA figures show.

ACEA is the European Automobile Manufacturers Association, known by its acronym in French.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles was the worst performer in the month with sales of Fiats, Jeeps and Alfa Romeos down 76.6% at 22,070. Groupe PSA was next worst, selling 68.1 % fewer Peugeots, Citroens, Opels, Vauxhalls and DSs at 68,816. Not far behind was Renault, down 64.7% at 55,663.

BMW sold 43,423 vehicles.

ACEA said EU sales in March were 567,308 compared with 1,264,569 in the same month last year. In the first quarter, EU sales fell 25.6% to 2,480,855.

Italy was the worst performing country in March with sales off 85.4%, closely followed by France, down 72.2%. Germany, Europe’s biggest market, fell 37.7%.