16/01/2002 (Agence Europe) - The European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) announced on Tuesday that the number of new cars being registered increased by 0.6% in 2001 (14.8 million) in Western Europe. Manufacturers were expecting a rise of less than 250,000. The ACEA believes that given the economic situation, 2001 was the second best year in the history of the motor car in Europe since 1999. The most noticeable rise was witnessed in the in the United Kingdom (+10.7% - 2.459 million cars registered), followed by France (a record year with +5.7%) and Spain (+4%). The number of cars registered in Germany fell by 1.1% and by 5.1% in Belgium. Volkswagen strengthened its position as market leader with 2.804 million new cars registered in 2001, which brings its market share to 18.9% compared to 18.7% in 2000.