Latvia registers Europe's biggest increase in new car registration in January

New car registrations in Latvia grew by 126.4% in January 2011, which was the steepest increase across Europe, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers Association's latest report. Estonia had 1,161 new cars in January – 118.2% more than in January 2010, whereas Lithuania had 846 new car registrations – a 92.7% increase.

The report covers all European Union member states except Cyprus and Malta, as well as members of the European Free Trade Association – Switzerland, Norway and Iceland.



This past January, 609 new cars were registered in Latvia, compared to 269 new car registrations in January 2010, informs LETA.



On the other hand, Greece recorded the steepest decrease in new car registrations in January – 63.3%, followed by Spain – 23.5%, and Italy – 20.7%.



Altogether, 1,072,548 new cars were registered in Europe in January, or 1.1% less than in January 2010.



New car registrations in the EU – 1,041,650 – reduced 1.4% from January of 2010.



New car registrations in the original 15 EU member states fell 1.8% to 990,148 units, whereas new car registrations in the new member states increased 7.4% to 51,502 units.



New car registrations in EFTA grew 7.8% to 30,898 new cars.