European Car Sales Climb 7%

Passenger vehicle deliveries across Europe grew to 1.21 million in April from 1.13 million a year earlier, trade group ACEA reports. It was the highest volume for the month in six years.

The region's five largest markets all posted solid gains in April. Volume climbed in Germany (+6% to 291,400 units), the U.K. (+5% to 185,800), France (+2% to 170,800), Italy (+24% to 148,800) and Spain (+3% to 82,700).

All European manufacturers reported stronger sales last month. Market leader Volkswagen Group gained 5% to 316,500 units. Sales increased for PSA Peugeot Citroen (+3% to 128,900 vehicles), Renault Group (+15% to 126,500), Ford (+2% to 86,200), Opel (+2% to 77,800) and FCA (+13% to 79,000).

Among luxury brands, demand last month rose for Audi (+4% to 70,000 units), BMW (+8% to 60,800), Mercedes-Benz (+3% to 59,000), Land Rover (+20% to 11,500) and Jaguar (+1% to 1,900).

Among Asian brands, segment leader Toyota slipped by 1,100 units to 46,400 units in April. Sales grew for Nissan (+9% to 41,700), Hyundai (+9% to 38,200), Kia (+7% to 33,600), Suzuki (+2% to 13,900) and Mazda (+11% to 13,700). Honda's volume plunged 25% to only 7,400 vehicles.

Market volume across Europe through the first four months of 2015 climbed 8% to 4.85 million units, according to ACEA.