ESC installation rates increase, but remain low in small cars

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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