Automotive Industry Trends

Industrial Production Trends in the Automotive Sector

In June 2024, the industrial production index in Italy recorded a 2.6% decrease compared to June 2023, but showed a slight increase of 0.5% compared to May 2024. However, when analyzing the automotive sector alone, the production decline is much more pronounced: -25.0% compared to the same month of the previous year. This figure is particularly significant, considering that compared to May 2024, there is a growth of 2.2%. In the first six months of 2024, the entire industrial sector experienced a 3.2% decline. The situation is even more critical for the automotive sector, which recorded an overall decrease of 16.3% in the same period.

Variations in Automotive Sector Segments

A more detailed analysis reveals that individual segments of the automotive sector show different performances:

• Motor vehicle production (ATECO code 29.1): the index fell by 36.0% in June 2024 and by 19.6% in the first half of 2024. This segment recorded the most drastic decline.
• Motor vehicle bodies, trailers, and semi-trailers (ATECO code 29.2): shows a slight increase of 0.2% in June, with a significant increase of 13.9% in the cumulative first six months.
• Parts and accessories for motor vehicles and their engines (ATECO code 29.3): shows a decrease of 15.6% in June and 18.0% in the cumulative period.

Italian Industry Revenue

According to ISTAT data published on August 28, 2024, the total revenue of Italian industry (excluding construction) decreased by 3.3% in the cumulative first six months of 2024. In June 2024, the decline was even more pronounced, with a decrease of 6.7%. In the domestic market, revenue fell by 8.7%, while in the foreign market there was a decrease of 2.7%.

Automotive Sector Revenue

The automotive sector showed a negative revenue variation of 18.8% in June 2024 compared to the same month of the previous year. This decline is attributable to both the domestic market, which saw a contraction of 20.2%, and the foreign market, with a decrease of 17.4%. Considering the cumulative period of 2024, the total revenue of the automotive sector fell by 9.1%, with a reduction of 13.7% for the foreign market and 4.5% for the domestic market.

Revenue Analysis

From the breakdown of data by segments, it emerges that:

• Motor Vehicle Manufacturing. Total revenue decreased by 18.5% in June 2024. Specifically, the domestic market saw a decline of 15.6%, while the foreign market experienced a decrease of 21.2%. In the cumulative first six months of 2024, revenue is down by 9.7%, with a reduction of 12.7% in the domestic market and 7.1% in the foreign market.
• Manufacturing of Bodies, Trailers, and Semi-trailers. In June 2024, revenue decreased by 5.7%, with an 8.5% decline in the domestic market and a 1.5% decrease in the foreign market. However, in the cumulative first six months, the segment shows an increase of 3.8%, with a slight decline of 0.7% in the domestic market and a strong increase of 10.4% in the foreign market.
• Manufacturing of Parts and Accessories for Motor Vehicles. Records one of the worst performances, with a revenue decline of 21.4% in June 2024. The domestic market suffered a contraction of 30.5%, while the foreign market decreased by 9.9%. In the cumulative period of 2024, the revenue decline is 9.6%, with a decrease of 17.1% for the domestic market and 0.4% for exports.

The June 2024 data outline a complicated picture for the Italian automotive sector, marked by significant decreases in both production and revenue. The situation appears particularly critical for vehicle production and spare parts, while the body manufacturing segment shows signs of recovery in the foreign market. These trends highlight the need for targeted strategies to address economic and market challenges. Focus must be placed on innovation, internationalization, and sustainability to stimulate the sector’s long-term recovery.