Slight improvement in 2010 but no exit from crisis before 2011. - According to a survey carried out by Ernst & Young, “European Automotive Survey 2009”, no end to the crisis in the automobile industry can be expected before 2011. This survey was carried out among 300 car and car-part manufacturers in 12 European countries (Germany, France, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Portugal, Russia and Hungary) and reveals that almost 70% of people questioned considered that their business prospects will slightly improve in 2010, although one third of those interviewed have a more pessimistic vision and believe that a robust return to growth in sales will not occur before 2011. Another interesting item of information provided in the survey indicates that more than 60% of those questioned are afraid of a significant fall in sales due to a pricing war (86% of those interviewed in France expressed concern, 74% in Germany and 60% in Italy). There is also a market trend at the moment indicating increased sales of small model vehicles with smaller engines. For most of those questioned, this change appears to be sustained: 60% of those interviewed forecast increased car sales of models worth up to €15,000, whereas 40% anticipate a fall in car sales of models worth between €30,000-€50,000 and an even sharper fall for models that are even more expensive. (I.L./transl.fl)