Car sales down 7 pct., motorcycle sales up

Last year ended in a decline for the automotive industry in the Netherlands. In the final quarter of the year, industry revenue declined by seven percent in comparison to the same period of 2013, reports Statistics Netherlands. The decline in revenue was demonstrated by all branches of the sector, with the exception of the motorcycle branch which saw sales increase by over 14 percent. The largest decrease was experienced by automobile importers, who faced a 10% revenue drop. The revenue drop in the industry is mainly explained by high sales in the last quarter of 2013, which were promoted by the end of tax advantages for fuel-efficient cars at the start of 2014.