Car Sales Up in Germany and Italy, Down in France

Demand for passenger vehicles in July grew 7% to 270,200 units in Germany and 5% to 113,800 units in Italy, according to government figures.

But sales last month dropped 4% to 143,800 units in France, where volume had expanded 3% in the first half of 2014. Trade group CCFA reports that domestic sales by PSA Peugeot Citroen and Renault fell 3% and 6%, respectively, in July.

The uptick in Germany reversed a 2% decline in June and restored the country's 2% growth rate for the year to date. Italy's market has expanded 3% so far this year.