The European car industry lost 4,024,036 cars produced in the first three quarters this year, according to figures from the European ACEA. The production loss is mainly due to the closure of factories during March, April and May. In addition, production has not yet returned to pre-crisis levels, although the market is now recovering.
On a interactive map shows the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) what the impact of the coronavirus is on European car production. The figures therefore show that total European production records a decrease of more than 4 million vehicles. The ACEA includes passenger cars and light commercial vehicles with a weight of up to 6 tons. According to the trade association, the decrease was mainly caused by the closure of factories in the months when the pandemic just started. German production was by far the hardest hit with a decrease of 1,077,943 cars, followed by Spain with 754,978 units. France can take third place on this dubious podium thanks to the missing out on 416,149 cars. In the Netherlands it appears to be considerable with 34,379 fewer cars.
Almost all car manufacturers are now showing financial recovery again, sometimes even showing growth compared to the third quarter last year. This does not alter the fact that it will be difficult to absorb the lost production (and sales) of this year. The ACEA analysis shows that production loss so far amounts to 22.3 percent of total production in 2019. With the continuing uncertainty surrounding the corona virus and the impending Brexit, it is still the question whether the industry can continue to close that gap this year.