Foreign Cars Sell Well in Germany

Foreign auto manufacturers did well in Germany in 2003 despite the weak domestic sales market and the strong euro. The number of foreign-made cars sold increased from 1.105 million to 1.145 million, according to the Association of Automobile Importers (VDIK). The foreigner’s share of the market increased to its highest level yet, at 35.4 percent. Their success has, obviously, come at the expense of the domestic manufacturers, who have been steadily losing ground to competition from overseas. The VDIK credited clever marketing campaigns, the wide selection of attractive automobiles, and the increasing demand for imported modern diesel engines for the success.