German car exports fall in 3Q, EVs buck trend

German car exports fell in the third quarter because of semiconductor shortages and supply chain bottlenecks, but electric vehicle (EV) exports grew, according to German federal statistical office Destatis.

German exports of internal combustion engine (ICE) passenger cars fell by 37pc in the third quarter to around 254,400 from 405,000 in the second quarter. Exports declined by nearly 50pc year on year from 506,900 in the third quarter of 2020, Destatis data show. And plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) registered a decrease of 30pc to 71,200 units from 101,300 cars in the previous quarter.

Exports of EVs rose by 7pc to 69,800, compared with 65,300 in the second quarter, thanks to increased demand for electric mobility. But this failed to offset shortfalls in ICE passenger car exports, which fell by 31pc on the quarter to 395,100, according to Destatis.

Semiconductor shortages and supply chain disruptions have forced automotive manufacturers globally to cut, and in some cases, even halt production this year.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders last week said the UK's car production fell for the fourth consecutive month in October and was the weakest since October 1956. And similarly, the UK registered growth in the EV car production.

Despite production and overall export declines, EVs and alternately fuelled vehicles continue to rise year on year as many manufacturers prioritise EV production over ICE vehicles because of higher demand, such as Sweden's Volvo, which plans to sell only EVs by 2030.

By Samuel Wood