Car Sales Climb to Record High in Europe

New-car registrations across Europe grew 7% to 1.5 million units in September, a record high for the month, according to trade group ACEA. Sales through the first nine months of 2016 climbed 8% to 11.61 million.

All five of the region’s largest markets posted increases last month. Deliveries rose in the U.K. (+2% to 469,700 units), Germany (+9% to 298,000), France (+3% to 168,800), Italy (+17% to 153,600) and Spain (+14% to 79,600).

Volkswagen Group failed to pace the market, with a sales gain of 6% to 343,100 vehicles. Registrations of VW-brand cars rose 4% to 162,200 units compared with 9% increases for the group’s Audi and Skoda brands.

Sales by PSA and Ford dropped 6% to 129,000 units and 1% to 108,300, respectively, in September. But sales gained at Renault (+19% to 130,900 cars), Opel (+4% to 103,00), Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (+14% to 90,800).

Volume jumped 18% to 101,300 units for Daimler, including an 18% rise to 91,600 cars for the Mercedes-Benz brand. Rival BMW Group posted a 13% increase to 114,100 units, including an 11% gain to 87,700 vehicles for BMW-brand models.

Sales by Asian brands were mixed but advanced 4% to 307,900 units overall. Sales rose 8% to 67,300 units for Toyota but fell 3% to 61,900 for Nissan. Deliveries by Hyundai and its Kia affiliate rose 4% to 51,500 units and 12% to 44,700 units, respectively.