U.S. may slip to second in global car sales behind Europe

So far this year, increased car sales in the U.K. and Italy -- two of the biggest markets in Europe -- along with a rising tide across Central and Eastern Europe, have contributed to a 1.9-percent increase in car consumption across the Atlantic. While the U.S. has traditionally been the world leader in units of vehicles sold, with some 16 million leaving dealer lots in 2006, that might change come the end of this year.

The raw numbers are staggering. In the first ten months of 2007, 13,583,559 cars were sold in the U.S., compared to 13,572,669 in Europe during the same period. That's a difference of just over 10,000 vehicles, and with sales dropping due to rising fuel prices and the credit crunch here at home, Europe has a good chance of knocking the U.S. out of the top spot come December 31st.

Analysts predict that both markets will get close to the 16 million mark by the end of the year, with Europe handily eclipsing the U.S. in 2008.

[Source: Automotive News – Sub. Req.]

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)








Autoblog Podcast #158: 'Twas a couple nights before Christmas...

Chris, Editor Paukert, and Dan send the Podcast off for the Christmas holiday in proper fashion

 
 

Subscribe via: iTunes | RSS


Featured Galleries

  • Gran Turismo 5 Demo
  • Spy Shots: 2011 Lincoln MKX
  • Spy Shots: 2011 Ford Edge
  • MINI Beachcomber concept
  • Gold Mercedes-Benz SLS for Dubai Motor Show
  • 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet
  • 2011 Audi A1 Graffiti Teasers
  • Reader Spy: SRT-prepped Dodge Journey R/T
  • 2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is
  • Ferrari P540 Superfast Aperta
  • 2010 Dodge Viper ACR-X
  • First Drive: 2010 Lexus GX460
AOL Autos

Find Your Next Car

Autoblog Video


Autoblog Green

BloggingStocks

Download Squad

Engadget

Joystiq

Autoblog Spanish

Switched.com

FanHouse

Asylum