The recently published ESC penetration rates for new car registrations in Europe show that the number of vehicles equipped with ESC is increasing steadily: from 55% in 2008 to 58% in the first half of 2009.
Nevertheless, the installation rate in the segment of the mini cars (the so-called A-segment, responsible for 12% of all sales in Europe) remains dramatically low and even dropped from 20% in 2008 to 15% in the first six months of 2009. This is caused by the "downsizing" trend amongst consumers, choosing cheaper models with only basic safety features. In Germany, this trend is amplified by a car scrappage scheme, and in France by a regulation favouring cars producing less than 120g/km CO2.
However, the acceptance of ESC will continue to increase in the next years. A EU regulation requires a compulsory introduction of ESC in all new types of vehicles from 1 November 2011, and for all new vehicles from 1 November 2014.
Download the latest figures here  pdf (211 KB)
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