According to new data from the European carmakers' association, the ACEA, new registrations fell by 18.6% in July and 12.9% in August.

In July, a double-digit contraction occurred in the main markets, ranging from -12.8% in France to -13.2% in the UK, -24.1% in Spain, -25.7% in Italy and -30.2% in Germany. Overall, 1,032,893 new cars were registered, or 18.6% less than in July last year.

In August, as in July, France (-7.9%), the UK (-17.5%), Italy (-19.3%), Spain (-23.8%) and Germany (-27.0%) all recorded a considerable downturn. Traditionally a month with lower registration levels, August recorded a total of 701,710 new car registrations (-12.9%).

From January to August, new car registrations across the EU reached 9,021,703 in number, or 3.5% less than in the first eight months of 2009. Of the most significant markets, France (+2.0%), the UK (+13.2%) and Spain (+21.9%) expanded, while Italy (-2.5%) and Germany (-28.7%) contracted. The steepest fall was noted in Bulgaria (-39.1%) and the highest increase in Ireland (+49.6%).