European Sales Numbers? Better Luck Next Month

Bertel Schmitt
by Bertel Schmitt

Every month, at around the 15th, the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA), sends out car sales numbers for the preceding month for all of Europe. It’s a regular TTAC fare. This month, you will have to do without.

When the numbers did not arrive, I thought things are a bit hectic, let’s wait a while. Today, I became worried. Zero sales all over Europe? A fatal crash of the ACEA computer? I sent them an email. Here is the return mail:

From: statistics@acea.be [mailto:statistics@acea.be]


Sent: Wednesday, August 25, 2010 10:04 PM


To: bschmitt@ttac.com


Subject: Statistics ACEA is out of the office.

I will be out of the office starting 30/07/2010 and will not return until 30/08/2010.

I will respond to your message when I return.

ACEA is doing what most of Europe does. They take the August off. New numbers for Europe, this time covering July and August, should be out around September 15th. Ah, Europe. The world is waiting for important data. But nothing will disturb the sacrosanct vacation.

Bertel Schmitt
Bertel Schmitt

Bertel Schmitt comes back to journalism after taking a 35 year break in advertising and marketing. He ran and owned advertising agencies in Duesseldorf, Germany, and New York City. Volkswagen A.G. was Bertel's most important corporate account. Schmitt's advertising and marketing career touched many corners of the industry with a special focus on automotive products and services. Since 2004, he lives in Japan and China with his wife <a href="http://www.tomokoandbertel.com"> Tomoko </a>. Bertel Schmitt is a founding board member of the <a href="http://www.offshoresuperseries.com"> Offshore Super Series </a>, an American offshore powerboat racing organization. He is co-owner of the racing team Typhoon.

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 3 comments
  • Ash78 Ash78 on Aug 25, 2010

    I bet the numbers aren't looking very august. I'll never really understand the month-long holiday thing, apart from respecting its tradition. To me, four week-long trips throughout the year are far better than a single month-long trip. More diversity, less hassle to my employer, much easier transition back to work for me, etc.

    • Marjanmm Marjanmm on Aug 25, 2010

      In most of Europe you can have the month long holiday AND have two or three week long trips during the rest of the year.

  • Fastback Fastback on Aug 25, 2010

    hmmm, i'd say this would be a better place to live if it's citizens had a month off!

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