International manufacturers
The international motor vehicle manufacturers have been successfully operating in Germany for years. In 2020, VDIK members will account around 40 percent of new passenger car registrations. This corresponds to sales of over 1.2 million passenger cars. In addition, there are around 100,000 commercial vehicles from international manufacturers registered in Germany. The VDIK market share for commercial vehicles is around 28 percent.
Market share increases
The market share of international manufacturers in Germany has stabilized at around 40 percent in recent years. There are many reasons for this. For example, international manufacturers have benefited from the fact that German customers have recently purchased significantly fewer diesel cars but have switched to other drivetrains. International manufacturers have traditionally been strong here.
Passenger car market share of international manufacturers in Germany
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Source: KBA; VDIK
Alternative drives
Another particular strength of the international manufacturers is their wide range of vehicles with alternative drivetrains. The international manufacturers launched particularly low-emission models on the market at an early stage and are currently very successful: the best-selling battery electric car in Germany comes from a VDIK member company (2020). Even the plug-in hybrid with the highest number of registrations is an imported car. In 2020, close to 150,000 hybrid vehicles without plugs were registered by VDIK member companies. Customers can also buy modern fuel cell vehicles from VDIK companies. The VDIK market share for natural gas and liquid gas is well over 75 percent.
An overview of all models can be found in the list of the current range of electric vehicles offered by VDIK member companies. The list contains around 180 electric vehicles that can be ordered and purchased by customers in Germany.
Variety appeals
Every single one of the international brands active in Germany stands for a very individual offer and a special brand image. From attractive small cars to numerous compact and mid-range models to premium and sports cars – the diversity of the range also contributes to the success of the international manufacturers in Germany.
Over 100,000 employees
International manufacturers have become an important economic factor in Germany. They work together with around 11,000 dealer bases. They employ over 100,000 people there and in their German headquarters. The VDIK members invest in infrastructure and set up European logistics, training and development centres. Some companies have their European headquarters in Germany. In addition, the international manufacturers are important clients of the German supplier companies.
Commercial vehicles
International commercial vehicle manufacturers are also active in Germany, offering the entire range of commercial vehicles from light vans to heavy trucks. Their market share is around 28 percent. Alternative drive systems are also playing an increasingly important role in road freight transport. International motor vehicle manufacturers are therefore offering battery-electric, hybrid and gas-powered light commercial vehicles. For heavy commercial vehicles, gas represented the most important alternative drive type in 2021, with electric and fuel cell vehicles in the pipeline.
