Auto suppliers enjoy upturn in 2010

The sales figures include:

• €15.1 billion for sales to worldwide manufacturers for new vehicles, up by 16.5%

• €2.8 billion for sales on the French and export aftermarkets, including maker and independent spares, up by 2.7%

However, on December 31 2010, the industry employed a workforce of 88,000, down by 9%.

Exports, accounting for 51% of all French sales, were up by 15.2% compared with 2009.

At the end of 2010, the trade balance of the automotive equipment business showed a surplus of €2.5 billion, up by 32% year on year.

As the first half of 2011 draws to a close, business is bright for equipment suppliers who have, to date, posted an 8% increase in sales.