Car Sales Rise 7% in Germany, 3% in Italy

New-car registrations in Germany grew to about 206,000 last month from 192,100 in January 2013, according to importer trade group VDIK.

Analysts say full-year sales in the country could top 3 million units for the first time since they reached 3.17 million in 2011. But they caution that January's volume was helped by hefty price discounting that distorts the market and reduces profits.

Car sales in Italy advanced 3% to 117,800 units in January, the country's transport ministry reports. Fiat SpA's market share rose to 28.3% from 28.0% in December and 30.1% in January 2013.