UPDATE: April Sales Rise in Large European Markets

Demand for new passenger vehicles last month continued to rise in four of Europe’s largest markets, according to local trade and government data.

In Germany, April deliveries rose 8% to 314,100 units, the Federal Motor Transport Authority reports. Sales of SUV/crossovers leaped 30%, and luxury-car deliveries rose 32%. Registrations of Volkswagen-brand vehicles jumped 15% to 64,800 units.

In France, new-car volume gained 9% to 187,400 units, mostly because of one extra selling day compared to April 2017, trade group CCFA reports. PSA Group led the market with a 20% gain to 74,000 units, including the Opel brand it acquired last August, or 9% and 67,200 units when Opel is excluded. Renault Group sales advanced 10% to 59,300 units.

In Italy, new-car sales grew 7% to 171,400 units, aided by an extra selling day, according to the country’s transport ministry. Heavy sales incentives also bolstered demand. Market leader Fiat saw sales drop 12% to 29,700 units.

In Spain, trade group ANFAC says volume expanded 12% to 113,800 vehicles. Results were aided by two more selling days compared with April 2017. Demand for diesels plummeted 18%, resulting in a 13 point drop in market share to less than 37%.