November’s German new-car market remained stable with a record result for hybrids. A total of 244,544 new cars were registered, a fall of just 0.5% year-on-year. This equated to a loss of around 1,100 units compared to 2023, but was the market’s biggest registrations total since mid-year according to the Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (KBA). This slight reduction was the market’s sixth of the year. Compared to the rest of 2024, it was the least severe monthly decline, with the next smallest drop, of 2.1%, recorded in July.

Market registrations in Italy are still in the red compared to 2023, with -13.4% in August, -10.7% for September, -9% in October and -10.8% in November. Excluding December figures (yet to be published), the year reduced by 18.2% compared to 2019.

Once famed for its burgeoning industry, car production in Italy is on a significantly downward trend. Stellantis is now only producing a handful of models, despite a EUR 6 billion support package from the Government for investments into production.

Audi’s plant in Brussels will cease production by next month, according to a company spokesperson. The factory currently builds the Q8 e-tron, but its successor is now expected to be produced in Mexico. The plant closure had appeared likely after a statement in November that the German marque had been unable to find a buyer for the facility.