Auto makers had lowest February sales due to supply chain issue

Porsche's sales were up 8.1 percent, while VW brand's volume was down 17 percent. Photo: Porsche

New-car sales in Europe fell to the lowest on record for February, as supply chain disruptions continued to hurt automobile manufacturers.

Registrations fell 5.4 percent to 804,028 in the EU, European Free Trade Association and UK markets, according to data released by industry association ACEA.

Market leader Volkswagen Group saw registrations fall by 12 percent, with all brands except Porsche recording declines, said European Automotive News.

Porsche's sales were up 8.1 percent, while VW brand's volume was down 17 percent, Skoda fell 12 percent, Seat's sales dropped 10 percent and Audi was down 3.5 percent.

Sales at Stellantis fell 18 percent, with Peugeot down 24 percent, Alfa Romeo down 23 percent, Fiat down 22 percent and Citroen down 19 percent, Jeep registrations fell 7.8 percent and Opel was down 7.6 percent. DS Automobiles gained 13 percent.

Renault Group registrations fell by 3.8 percent with Dacia sales up 14 percent and Renault down 13 percent.

Hyundai Group was a standout with a 25 percent gain, with Hyundai brand up 26 percent and Kia up 25 percent. Honda's registrations rose by 68 percent, Toyota was up 4.8 percent, Lexus gained 3 percent, while Nissan's volume plunged by 25 percent. Mercedes-Benz brand gained 3 percent and BMW was down 4.4 percent.

After microchip shortages caused continual production stoppages over the past 12 months, automakers are bracing for more disruption to output from supply-chain issues exacerbated by the war in Ukraine, says European Automotive News.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has caused Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and others to reduce production as Ukraine is a key source of wire harnesses that power automotive electrical systems.