German car exports during the first six months of 2011 increased by 10%. The UK and USA were the most important markets with China being increasingly important.
The United Kingdom (UK), the United States (US), and France were the top market for German passenger vehicle exports during the first half of 2011. China was the fifth largest market in volume but the highest earner per car. Germany exported 2.3 million cars between January and June 2011, an increase of 10% over the number of automobiles exported during the same period in 2010. German car exports were worth €51.7 billion. Germany imported 1.1 million cars worth €15 billion.
German Car Exports and Imports during the First Half of 2011
Germany exported 2.3 million new passenger cars worth €51.7 billion during the first half of 2011 according to figures released by the Federal Statistical Office (Statistisches Bundesamt Deutschland). This represented a volume increase of 10.2% over the number of automobiles Germany exported from January to June 2010. During the first half of 2010, German car exports increased by 22.5% over 2009, which was a particularly weak year.
Germany imported 1.1 million new passenger cars worth €15 billion during the first half of 2011. This was an increase of 21.6% over the number of automobiles Germany imported from January to June 2010. During the same period in 2010, German car imports were 20.2% weaker than in 2009.
The average value of a car exported by Germany during the first half of 2011 was just shy of €22,500. In contrast, the average value per car imported into Germany was just less of €14,000.
Major Export Markets for German Passenger Car Exports in 2011 (First Half)
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was the most important market for German passenger vehicle exports during the first half of 2011 both in terms of volume and value. During the first half of 2011, Germany exported 382,000 cars worth €6.8 billion to Britain. In recent years, the VW Golf, VW Polo, and BMW 3-series have been regulars on the top-ten list of best-selling cars in Britain. Volkswagen has been the third most popular car manufacturer in Britain with BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz also amongst the top-ten most popular car makers.
The United States of America (US) was the second most important market for German car exports during the first six months of 2011. Germany exported 256,000 cars worth €6.6 billion to the US.
China was the fifth largest market in term of volume for German car exports during the first half of 2011 but third most important in terms of value. Germany exported 151,000 cars to China worth €5.6 billion. The average value of a German car exported to China was around €37,000, which is not surprising as German luxury car exports to China has been creating an exciting buzz during the past few months.
German Car Export Statistics for 2011 (First Half)
The most important car markets for German passenger vehicle exports during the first six months of 2011 were:
| Rank | Export Country | Cars (‘000) | Value (€ million) | Average per Car (€) |
| Total | All German Car Exports | 2,300 | 51,700 | 22,480 |
| 1 | United Kingdom | 382 | 6,838 | 17,900 |
| 2 | United States | 256 | 6,619 | 25,860 |
| 3 | France | 206 | 4,003 | 19,430 |
| 4 | Italy | 205 | 3,937 | 19,200 |
| 5 | China (PRC) | 151 | 5,587 | 37,000 |
| 6 | Spain | 111 | 2,136 | 19,240 |
| 7 | Belgium | 95 | 1,992 | 20,970 |
| 8 | Turkey | 71 | 1,224 | 17,520 |
| 9 | Russia | 69 | 1,401 | 20,300 |
| 10 | The Netherlands | 63 | 1,249 | 19,830 |
| 11 | Austria | 60 | 1,379 | 22,980 |
| 12 | Japan | 54 | 1,559 | 28,870 |
| 13 | Switzerland | 49 | 1,416 | 28,900 |
| 14 | Sweden | 48 | 1,068 | 22,250 |
| 15 | Canada | 42 | 1,084 | 25,810 |
