Car Sales Rise in France, Spain

Sales of new passenger vehicles in France and Spain grew 9% and 41%, respectively, in March, according to trade groups in each country.

Sales in France advanced to 196,600 units last month, continuing a year-on-year recovery that began last September. Industry group CCFA predicts full-year sales in France will expand 2%.

In Spain, March new-car registrations surged to 112,300 units. It was the first tine since 2010 that monthly sales surpassed 100,000 units, according to trade association ANFAC.