Car Sales in Europe Improve Again

New-car sales across Europe grew 5% to 1.04 million units in October compared with the same month in 2012, says industry association ACEA.

Last month's advanced marked the first time sales improved for two consecutive months since September 2011.

Sales fell again in Italy. But they rose in Germany, France and the U.K. Demand jumped by one-third in Spain because of a renewed government incentive program.

Volkswagen, Renault and General Motors posted higher sales in the region last month. Volume was flat for Ford and declined for PSA and Fiat.

Among premium brands, sales in Europe last month barely changed for Audi and BMW. But volume rose 9% for Mercedes and 16% for Jaguar Land Rover.

January-October sales in the region totaled 10.39 million, narrowing the year-on-year decline to 3%.