The sales of new cars in Europe are still maintained in some countries by government incentives, increased by an average 12.9 percent in January on an annual basis, figures released today data on the association of European car manufacturers. In EU countries, excluding Cyprus and Malta for months have sold 1 058 868 new cars, but to include Iceland, Norway and Switzerland, the number reached 1 085 894 cars (+13% yoy). For the first time the association provides separate statistics for individual Member States and to include information listed three states. According announced earlier this month, data from Association of Automobile manufacturers and their authorized representatives in Bulgaria for January in our sales have decreased by 47% compared to January 2009. The largest decline for the first month of 2010 is recorded on the market in Romania (-84.6%) and highest growth – this in Portugal (62%). In Britain, sales increased by nearly 30% to 145 479 units, in France has increased by 14.3 percent to 171 478 number in Spain is rising by 18% to 70 130 units, and in Italy are registered growth of 30.2% to 206 341 units. Germany, however, reported a fall of 4.3% in car sales annually to 181 189 pieces in January.
(more…)

The German unit of U.S. car giant General Motors – Opel, will chase the expansion through an investment of 11 billion euros in the development of new cars over the next five years. The plan is part of a strategy to transform the company into a profitable within two years. This report by the leadership of GM, Air Force forward. From GM also reported that the planned reduction of 8 300 people in Europe and the closures in Antvertp. One of the main objectives of GM is to obtain approval of plans by European governments to be able to get vital loans to the company to become profitable again. At this stage the intentions of GM have been identified as “financially reasonable and realistic to achieve” an independent auditor, said the head of the company’s Europe, Nick Reilly.
(more…)