Car Sales Fall 10% in Europe

Registrations of new passenger vehicles across Europe slid to 829,400 units last month from 923,600 units in February 2012, according to industry group ACEA.

All major markets posted double-digit declines, except the U.K., where volume rose 8% to 66,700 vehicles. Sales dropped in Germany (-11% to 200,700 vehicles), France (-12% to 143,300 units), Italy (-17% to 108,400 units) and Spain (-10% to 58,400 units).

Registrations fell at every major carmaker, including Volkswagen Group (-7% to 205,100 vehicles), PSA (-13% to 102,800 units), Renault Group (-9% to 78,800 units), General Motors (-20% to 59,100 units), Fiat Group (-16% to 56,000 units) and Ford (-21% to 53,700 units).

Declines were smaller at such luxury brands as Audi (-4% to 43,300 units), BMW (-1% to 39,500 vehicles) and Mercedes-Benz (-2% to 38,800 units).