It is the sixth month of consecutive decline

No miracle in October: sales of new cars declined new of 14.5 in Europe, reflecting the financial and economic crisis. It is the sixth month of consecutive decline. So, stacking since the beginning of the year, the European market is now down 5.4, and the worst is yet to come, fear builders. In Western Europe, all national markets except for the Austria are lower than in October 2007. And to the East, countries such as the Romania ( 10.6) or Hungary ( 16) give signs of obvious crackles, their economy is less and less disconnected from what happens in the West.

By mark, almost all of the actors undergo a reduction to two digits in October, with the exception of Volkswagen ( 6), Audi ( 3.3), Ford ( 7) or Fiat and BMW (both 8.4). But nobody does illusions on the suite. Manufacturers are therefore severe adaptation measures, to keep spinning more inventory at the output of factories or dealers. The Christmas period, which is often marked by a break of about a week, will this year very much enlarged.

Renault has decided to discontinue its chain of Flins, which assembles a Clio, for two weeks, or double what was expected soon. Ruitz, which manufactures gearboxes, will stop for more than three weeks. Same device in Spain, where will terminate two Palencia assembly lines (two times a week) and Valladolid (11 days), exporting to Europe. More symbolic decision, even the Romanian plant of Dacia, which assembles the Logan and the new Sandero conditions "low cost", will close its gates for two weeks and a half. Watchword of these additional measures of judgment: "Back at the end of 2008 at the same level of stock as at end of 2007", according to Michel Faivre-Duboz, Director of the "supply chain" of Renault. The diamond group is to "fly stocks with a programming of the industrial device closer to the market demand."

Crisis meeting in Berlin

PSA Peugeot Citroën is constrained to the same fiscal year. At Mulhouse, the production of the Citroën C4 will be halted two weeks more than 14 days already scheduled, that of the Peugeot 206 and 308 10 days more. "Adjustments" in addition to those already established in other French plants, such as Sochaux, Douvrin or reindeer. Spanish site of Vigo, which carries out the C4 Picasso, Xsara Picasso, with 207 and utilities Berlingo-Partner, he will remove his team of night from December 31 to two teams.

French groups are the only ones affected by the plans of rigour. In Berlin, Chancellor Angela Merkel today convened a meeting of crisis with leaders of Opel, German subsidiary of the American GM on the filing of balance. Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Minister of Foreign Affairs anxious not to be outdone, has invited the leaders of committees builders company and Berthold Huberon, the head of the IG Metal Union day. Already, Opel has asked the Federal State and regional Governments to stand surety for his financing, said its Director General, Hans Demant.

Daimler, for its part, faces significant stocks of Mercedes, reflects on a forced reduction in working time. "The evolution of the situation, the mandatory reduction of working time could be a next step, says his boss, Dieter Zetsche.