Autos drag down Cyprus trade in first half

Turnover in the wholesale and retail trade sector was down in the first half of 2010, according to the latest data, primarily as a result of weak automotive sales.
In January-June 2010 the turnover value index of wholesale and retail trade, and repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles fell by 6.1% compared with the corresponding period of 2009.
However, once motor vehicles and motorcycles are excluded, the index rose by 2.2% in the same period.
In April-June 2010 the index including auto increased by 9.3% compared with the previous quarter, whereas the index excluding auto rose by 10%.