June 2018: Car sales increased in India, Russia, the USA, Europe, Brazil and China but were weaker in Japan.
January to June 2018: new passenger vehicle registrations during the first half of 2018 increased in all major regions of the world with the exception of Japan. During the first six months of 2018, car sales increased by double digits in Russia (18%), Brazil (14%) and Indian (13%). Car sales in China increased by 5.5% while the European and US markets both showed moderate growth.
Worldwide Car Sales in 2018 (Half Year)
During June 2018 and the first six months of 2018, car sales in various major car markets in the world monitored by the VDA were as follows:
| Region | Jun 2018 | % Change | Jan-Jun 2018 | % Change |
| Europe (EU+EFTA) | 1,619,000 | 5.1 | 8,695,800 | 2.8 |
| Russia* | 156,400 | 10.8 | 849,200 | 18.2 |
| USA* | 1,543,800 | 5.4 | 8,574,300 | 2.0 |
| Japan | 375,400 | -5.3 | 2,292,000 | -2.3 |
| Brazil* | 195,400 | 3.1 | 1,129,200 | 13.7 |
| India | 273,800 | 37.5 | 1,735,000 | 13.3 |
| China | 1,830,300 | 2.4 | 11,540,600 | 5.5 |
| *Light vehicles | ||||
| Source: VDA |
India – Strong Car Sales in June 2018
In June 2018, India was the fastest growing major car market in the world. New passenger vehicle registrations in India increased by 37.5% to 273,800 cars. This large year-on-year increase was largely due to very low sales in June 2017 in anticipation of a tax regime change.
During the first six months of 2018, car sales in India increased by a strong 13.3%.
Russia – Continued Strong Car Sales in June 2018
The Russian new car market expanded for the 16th consecutive month in June 2018 when registrations of new light vehicles increased by 10.8% to 156,400 vehicles.
During the first half of 2018, new car sales in Russia increased by an even faster 18.2% to 849,200 vehicles. No other major market expanded as fast thus far in 2018.
USA – Strong Car Sales in June 2018
The US car market grew by a surprisingly strong 5.4% in June 2018 to 1,543,800 vehicles. As before, traditional passenger cars were less popular with sales down 12% but light truck and SUV sales increased by 10%.
During the fist six months of 2018, the US light vehicle market expanded by 2% to 8,574,300 – previously, market experts expected the US market to slightly contract during 2018.
Europe – Stronger Car Sales in June 2018
In the European Union and EFTA countries, new passenger vehicle registrations increased by 5.1% to 1,619,000 cars in June 2018. Of the larger markets, France (+9%) and Spain (+8%) grew the fastest. The German new car market grew by 4%. Car sales in the UK were down 3% while the Italian market contracted by 7%.
During the first half of 2018, the European new car market expanded by 2.8% to 8,695,800 cars.
Brazil – Moderate Car Sales Growth in June 2018
In Brazil, the new car market expanded by only 3.1% to 195,400 cars in June 2018. This was the 14th consecutive month of car sales growth in Brazil with the market somewhat dampened by the effect of political events such as road blockages in Brazil.
During the first half of 2018, new light vehicle sales in Brazil increased by 13.7% – only the Russian market grew faster.
China – Moderate Car Sales Growth in June 2018
China remained by far the largest single car market in the world with sales increasing by a moderate 2.4% in June 2018 to 1,830,300 cars. The market is influenced by uncertainty over tariffs and duties.
During the first six months of 2018, the Chinese new car market grew by 5.5% to 11,540,600 cars.
Japan – Weaker Car Sales in June 2018
In June 2018, Japan was again the only major car market in the world with weaker sales. New passenger vehicle registrations in Japan contracted by 5.3% to 375,400 cars.
Japan is also the only major car market with weaker sales during the first semester of 2018: new passenger vehicle registrations contracted by 2.3% to 2,292,000 cars.
