The drop in car sales is expected to be milder than last year, when sales were pressured due to new emission standards in a broader economy that was both shrinking and under attack amid a trade war with the United States.
But global automakers have been cautious with their predictions after cutting back production, shutting factories and firing staff last year. This fall, however, was slower than the 37% drop in sales Ford weathered in 2018 and the company said it saw its market share in the high-to-premium segment stabilise last year.