Car Sales Rise 6% in Europe

Deliveries of new passenger vehicles across Europe climbed 6% to 1.26 million units in November, according to automotive trade group ACEA. It was the sixth consecutive year-on-year gain for the month.

Regional sales through the first 11 months of 2017 rose 4% to 14.49 million units.

Volume in November fell 11% to 163,500 vehicles in the U.K. But sales grew in Germany (+9% to 302,600 units), France (+10% to 180,000), Italy (+7% to 156,300) and Spain (+12% to 104,200).

Results improved for all mass-market carmakers except Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, whose deliveries slipped 1% to 74,600 vehicles. Sales advanced for Volkswagen Group (+5% to 310,600 units), Renault (+10% to 139,300) and Ford (+4% to 80,300).

PSA Group sales surged 80% to 187,000 units because of the company’s acquisition of Opel. When Opel is ignored, PSA’s deliveries in November climbed 17% to 128,300 units.

Sales last month were mixed for Europe’s best-selling luxury brands. Mercedes-Benz rose 2% to 68,200 cars and crossovers, and Audi sales grew 3% to 62,600 units. But BMW brand sales dropped 3% to 65,100 cars and SUVs.

Demand for Asian brands rose 7% to 235,700 vehicles in November. Growth was led by Hyundai-Kia (+9% to 80,000 units) and Toyota (+9% to 48,700), ACEA reports.