Car Sales Slide in Europe

Car and light-truck sales across Europe fell 6.5% to 1.06 million units in April, according to industry group ACEA.

Volume rose 3% to 274,100 units in Germany and 3% to 142,300 units in the U.K. But sales dropped 2% in France, 18% in Italy and 22% in Spain.

Demand was flat or down for all major carmakers in Europe, including market leader Volkswagen (-5% to 261,600 units). Sales fell 11% to 85,500 units for General Motors and 8% to 79,200 units for Ford.

Europe's luxury brands remained healthy last month. Sales grew 3% to 68,300 units for BMW Group and 1% to 56,700 for Daimler. Demand in the region for Jaguar Land Rover vehicles surged 32% to 7,900 units.