Car Sales Drop 2% in Europe

Passenger vehicle sales in Europe slipped to 1.25 million in June from 1.28 million a year earlier, according to trade group ACEA. Volume in the first half of the year fell 7% to 6.90 million across the region and 7% to 6.64 million within the European Union.

June sales advanced 3% to 296,700 units in Germany, the region's largest market, and 4% to 189,500 units in the U.K. Volumes declined 1% to 208,900 units in France, 24% to 128,400 units in Italy and 12% to 73,300 units in Spain. Last month the Netherlands surpassed Spain to become western Europe's fifth-largest car market, as sales surged 52% to 76,800 units.

Volkswagen continues to lead the European market, as group sales rose 4% to 300,900 units in June. VW's volume in the first half of the year was nearly flat at 1.7 million units.

Volume fell 9% to 109,800 vehicles at General Motors last month and 11% to 573,400 units in the January-June period. Demand fell 17% to 85,500 units at Ford in June and 10% to 532,800 units in the first half.

June sales fell 8% to 151,900 units at PSA, 4% to 115,000 vehicles at Renault and nearly 17% to 79,900 units at Fiat.