Germany’s premium automakers are benefiting most from a boom in UK car sales that has far outpaced the recovery in the rest of Europe.
Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz are winning sales and market share from mass-market manufacturers such as Ford and General Motors’ Vauxhall brand after expanding their lineups and offering more fuel-efficient vehicles, analysts say.
Vehicle sales at Citroen’s upscale DS line, which became a standalone brand on June 1, fell during the first half, hit by an aging product lineup and tougher competition from refreshed rivals such as Mini.
One bad season for Manchester United has not shaken General Motors’ belief in its $559 million (€415 million) sponsorship deal with the English soccer club.
UK car production grew by 4 percent to 791,314 in the first six months thanks to new models, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said.
Bentley may add a fifth model to its product lineup, CEO Wolfgang Duerheimer said.
