Car sales worldwide rise in September for the first time this year … “Continuation of recovery is uncertain”

[아시아경제 성기호 기자] Car sales around the world, which were directly affected by the new coronavirus infection (Corona 19), increased in September, for the first time this year. However, it is pointed out that it is difficult to be optimistic about the situation since the liquidity problem caused by the reproliferation of Corona 19 in developed countries and the union risk in the national automotive industry persists.

The Korea Automobile Industry Association announced on the 9th that global car sales increased for the first time this year, increasing 2.0% to 7.95 million units in September.

By region, the main markets such as the United States, Europe, China and India increased from the previous year. The United States rebounded 6.1% to 1.34 million units, an increase of 6.1%, as it turned into an increase for the first time since Corona 19 in September due to government economic stimulus measures such as the lowest interest rate in history and the increase in demand for car replacement due to avoiding public transportation. In Europe, sales in September also increased again after July due to incentives for low-emission vehicles, continued travel restrictions and increased demand for air delayed by Corona 19.

However, as of October, the continued rise is uncertain due to the reproliferation of Corona 19 in advanced markets such as the United States and Europe. In Europe, new car sales are expected to decline due to the effect of dealerships closing in France, the UK and Belgium by applying a lockdown from November.

The US also rose slightly (1.1%) in October, but the continued rise is uncertain due to the still high unemployment rate coupled with the reproliferation of Corona 19, declining consumer confidence due to an increase in permanent unemployment and delays in negotiations for additional economic stimulus funds due to the presidential elections.

The Automobile Industry Association explained that it is unclear whether domestic car exports, which showed an increase for two consecutive months in September and October this year, will continue. He noted that there is growing concern about the reproliferation of the liquidity crisis among suppliers due to increased union risk, such as the recent implementation of a partial strike for GM Korea, the preparations for the strike by the Kia Motors union and the delay in negotiations between the workers and the management of Renault Samsung Motors.

Man-gi Chung, president of the Automobile Industry Association, said: “It is fortunate that the crisis in the crown has slowed for a while and world demand has recovered. “Conflicts between workers and management such as bargaining and strikes in the automotive industry, which have not reached an agreement recently, must be resolved as soon as possible,” he emphasized.

Reporter Kiho Sung [email protected]