Car Sales Rebound in Europe

New-car sales across Europe, which slipped 2% in September, grew 6% to 1.21 million units in October.

Results among most of the region’s top five national markets rebounded last month, trade group ACEA reports. Sales rose in Germany (+4% to 272,900 units), France (+14% to 176,500), Italy (+7% to 157,900) and Spain (+14% to 94,700).

But year-on-year sales continued to shrink in the U.K., falling 12% to 158,200 vehicles in October.

Europe’s mainstream carmakers all posted gains for the month. Volumes improved for Volkswagen (+5% to 298,000 vehicles), Renault (+18% to 125,600), Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (+2% to 76,300) and Ford (+6% to 79,900).

PSA’s sales in October jumped 74% to 193,500 because of the contribution of the Opel brand it acquired in August. Sales of the company’s other marques expanded 13% to 125,000 units.

The only advance in the luxury segment was 8% growth to 70,900 units for Daimler’s Mercedes-Benz brand. October sales fell for Audi (-2% to 66,400 units), BMW (-9% to 58,900), Volvo (-3% to 24,800) and Jaguar Land Rover (-12% to 14,700).

Demand for Asian brands climbed 9% to 236,000 units last month. Increases at Toyota, Hyundai, Kia, Suzuki and Mazda offset declines for Nissan, Honda and Mitsubishi.​​​​​