April Sales Gain in Italy, Spain

New-car demand in Italy and Spain rose last month, reversing recent downturns in both markets, according to trade and government groups.

In Italy, registrations of new passenger vehicles advanced 2% to 174,400 units, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport says. Results were aided by an additional selling day and a surges in purchases by rental car fleets.

The ministry says sales of diesel-powered vehicles fell 23% to 70,800 units, representing 41% of the overall market. Diesels controlled nearly 53% of the Italian market a year ago.

In Spain, April sales climbed 3% to 119,400 passenger vehicles, trade group ANFAC reports. It was the country’s first year-on-year gain in eight months.

Strong sales to businesses and rental companies last month offset a 17% slump to 45,000 units purchased by individual buyers in Spain. Observers note that a hike in taxes on diesels last September has slashed the ratio of diesels sold to 27% from about 50%.