Fact #546: November 24, 2008
Automotive Sales Down in all Major World Markets for the Third Quarter of 2008

All major world markets experienced a drop in light vehicle sales for the third quarter of 2008 with the United States leading that decline ( -18%). Sales for the previous three quarters were largely negative except for China which experienced a positive growth in sales until the third quarter of 2008.

Percent Change in Light Vehicle Sales, Fourth Quarter, 2007- Third Quarter, 2008
Bar graph showing the percentage of decline in light vehicle sales for the U.S., Western Europe, Japan, and China for the 3rd quarter of 2008. The U.S. had the biggest decline (-18%). For more detailed information, see the table below.

Bar graph showing the percentage of decline in light vehicle sales for the U.S., Western Europe, Japan, and China for the 3rd quarter of 2008. The U.S. had the biggest decline (-18%). For more detailed information, see the table below.

Supporting Information

Percent Change in Light Vehicle Sales, Fourth Quarter, 2007 – Third Quarter, 2008
Country	China	Japan	Western Europe	United States
4th Qtr 2007	19%	-2%	2%	-1%
1st Qtr 2008	19%	-1%	-3%	-8%
2nd Qtr 2008	9%	-1%	-3%	-12%
3rd Qtr 2008	-3%	-2%	-10%	-18%
Source: Schmidt's Auto Publications, Automotive Newsletter, November 3, 2008.

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Vehicle Technologies Office – Fact of the Week

Fact #546: November 24, 2008Automotive Sales Down in all Major World Markets for the Third Quarter of 2008

Supporting Information

Fact #546: November 24, 2008
Automotive Sales Down in all Major World Markets for the Third Quarter of 2008