2012 Worldwide Passenger Car Sales (by Country & Region)

Global Car Sales & Rankings by Region & Country for 2012

In 2012, the global car sales saw a mixed performance across different regions. Despite challenges in some markets, the global car sales volume continued to rise. According to various industry reports, the total number of new cars sold worldwide in 2012 exceeded 60 million units, which marked a significant increase compared to the previous year.

Emerging markets, particularly in Asia, witnessed strong growth in car sales. China, in particular, played a crucial role in driving global sales figures. It became the largest car market in the world, surpassing the United States. Factors such as a growing middle class, rising incomes, and increased consumer spending contributed to the expansion of car sales in these regions. The European car market faced significant challenges in 2012. Economic uncertainties, the sovereign debt crisis, and austerity measures in several countries resulted in a decline in car sales across the region. Some of the worst-hit markets included Italy, Spain, and Greece, where sales dropped significantly.