Car Sales in Europe Drop 7%

New-car registrations across Europe fell to 1.23 million units in April from 1.32 million in the same month a year ago, ACEA reports.

The industry trade group blames the decline on the late timing of this year’s Easter holiday. ACEA notes that sales through the first four months remain positive, having expanded 5% to 5.49 million vehicles.

April’s downturn hit Europe’s four largest markets. Sales fell in Germany (-8% to 290,700 units), France (-6% to 171,900), the U.K. (-20% to 152,100) and Italy (-5% to 160,400). April deliveries in Spain rose 1% to 101,400 vehicles.

The slump was felt among all major carmakers. Volume shrank for Volkswagen Group (-9% to 305,200 vehicles), Renault (-3% to 130,100), PSA Group (-7% to 127,100), Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (-1% to 89,300), Opel Group (-13% to 71,600) and Ford (-12% to 78,500).

Deliveries by BMW Group dropped 6% to 79,400 cars. Sales by Daimler fell 3% to 80,500 units. But Daimler’s Mercedes-Benz brand outsold the BMW brand by 72,300 units to 71,400 units. Audi sales for the month declined 10% to 70,000 units.

April sales by Asia-based producers declined 7% to 219,000 vehicles. Deliveries for the month rose for Toyota (+5% to 54,600 units), Kia (+*% to 41,200) and Suzuki (+11% to 18,200). Sales fell for others in the segment, led by Hyundai (-10% to 39,500 cars) and Nissan (-14% to 36,100).