In Germany, the Company Car Is a Porsche
Even though demand for cars in Europe has tumbled, BMW (BMW), Volkswagen (VOW), and Daimler’s (DAI) Mercedes-Benz are all likely to post record sales for 2012. Deutsche Telekom (DTE) is partly to thank for that. Germany’s largest phone company, which owns 38,000 vehicles in its home country, according to company reports, is taking advantage of tax breaks that have propped up the local auto market and turned company cars into a widespread employee perk. Learn more
European Politicians Brace for Clash on Car CO2
European Union politicians are sharply divided between those keen for ambitious green car standards they say are needed to keep up with U.S. goals and those trying to limit the regulatory impact on makers of big luxury cars, draft reports show. Ireland, holder of the six-month rotating EU presidency until the end of June, said it believed the proposal was likely to be watered down, as German politicians, reflecting the views of Germany’s car industry, were steering parliamentary debate. Learn more
European Car Sales Fall to Lowest Level Since 1995
New car registrations in the European Union fell by 8.2% in 2012, dropping to their lowest level since 1995, according to figures from the European Automobile Manufacturers Association. And with the European Union still struggling to resolve its debt crisis and pull out of recession, industry analysts fear the situation may likely get worse this year – a situation that could prove disastrous for some of the Continent’s weaker manufacturers who have already racked up billions of dollars in losses. Learn more
Foreign Brands Challenge Hyundai on Home Turf
Hyundai Motor Group has been a recent standout success story in the global auto market, as its Hyundai and Kia brands have logged double-digit annual volume gains. But the group has slipped into reverse in one unlikely location: its South Korean home. Learn more
Europe-wide Police Operation Clamps Down on Drink and Drug-driving
A pan-European police operation held in December saw more than 1.2 million drivers breath-tested, with a total of 13,236 alcohol offences and 1,830 drug offenses recorded. Learn more
Daimler Betting Small Can Be Big
Perhaps nothing symbolizes the Mercedes-Benz brand like its classic S-Class model. But while the big sedan is set for a remake next year, expect Mercedes and the sibling Smart brand to put an increasing emphasis on downsized products that reflect the ongoing shift in the global luxury market. Learn more
Nissan Cuts Electric Leaf Prices in Europe, Too
Nissan Motor Co. is lowering the price of its all-electric Nissan Leaf car by 3,000 euros, or nearly $4,000, in Europe. Learn more
