Spanish automotive sector downturn continues in April

Spain’s carmaking sector remained depressed in April. Production and exports both fell, as a result of the Russia-Ukraine war impact. Lower output also reflects the impact of higher electricity costs in the country and the global semiconductor shortage, Kallanish notes.

Output in April was 168,396 units, a decrease of 10.3% versus the same month last year. Four-month production amounted to 718,850 vehicles, down 15.49% over January-April last year.

Meanwhile, poor sales in major markets, together with the microchip supply crisis and war in Ukraine, continued to undermine Spanish vehicle exports. These were 144,398 units in April, down 9.3% compared to the same month in 2021.

European markets represented 70% of Spanish deliveries in April, down 9.5% on-year. Only five of Spain’s ten main export destinations saw their purchases improve, with German demand growing the most, at 25.8%. Spanish four-month exports fell by 16.1% over a year earlier to 609,369 vehicles, Anfac data show.

Todor Kirkov Bulgaria