More cars, vans and motorcycles sold

In 2007, nearly 618 thousand new motor vehicles were sold, a 6 percent increase relative to a year ago. More new cars, vans and motorcycles were sold last year, but fewer new lorries and tractor units.

More than 500 thousand new cars sold

The number of new cars sold last year went beyond the 500 thousand barrier for the first time since 2002. Within the category motor vehicles, cars constituted the largest group. Last year, new car sales were 20 thousand up on 2006, an increase by 4 percent. 

New cars sold

Van sales up by one quarter

In the category commercial vehicles, the number of new vans sold increased by 24 percent in 2007 to reach nearly 80 thousand. In 2005 and 2006 far fewer new vans were sold, because in mid-2005, the tax relief scheme for holders of so-called grey registration numbers expired.

New vans sold

Fewer lorries and tractor units sold

In 2007, sales of new lorries and tractor units declined by 17 percent compared to one year previously. The decline mainly applied to tractor units. In 2006, sales of new lorries and tractor units still rose substantially, due to the discontinuation of the tax relief scheme for entrepreneurs prepared to invest in environmentally-friendly equipment.

Sales new cars and tractor units

Motorcycle sales pick up

In 2007, more than 16 thousand new motorcycles were sold, 10 percent more than in 2006. Motorcycle sales dipped in 2006, but currently approximate the level of 2005. 

Sales of new, light motorcycles with a cylinder capacity under 550 cc, increased by 36 percent in 2007. Sales of motorcycles with a cylinder capacity exceeding 950 cc – the best-selling category – grew by 12 percent. 

New motorcycles sold by cylinder capacity

Astrid Dohmen-Kampert