European Sales Growth Slows in August

Growth in new-car registrations across Europe rose 6% to 1.08 million units) in July, but the year-on-year pace slowed to 2% (701,100 units) in August, industry group ACEA reports.

Still, last month's advance marked the 12th consecutive month of expansion the longest on record at ACEA as the European industry continues to recover from the global economic crisis.

July sales rose in Germany (+7% to 270,200 units), the U.K. (+7% to 172,900), Italy (6% to 114,300) and Spain (+11% to 83,400). Demand dropped 4% to 143,800 vehicles in France.

Companies reporting stronger sales for the month included Volkswagen Group (+12% to 267,700 vehicles), Renault (+9% to 91,200) and Fiat Group (+3% to 62,200).

Demand in July was virtually unchanged at 72,200 at Ford. Sales shrank for PSA (-1% to 109,200 cars) and General Motors (-10% to 67,200).

Luxury car sales in July climbed for BMW (+9% to 64,700 units), Audi (+8% to 62,300) and Mercedes-Benz (+5% to 53,100).

August sales results were mixed at the national level. Sales slipped in German (-0.4% to 213,100 units), France (-3% to 83,700) and -0.2% to 53,200) in Italy. But volume climbed 9% to 72,200 vehicles in the U.K. and 14% to 45,400 in Spain.

Among mass-market carmakers, August sales grew 9% to 196,900 units at Volkswagen, 2% to 67,900 at PSA Peugeot Citroen and 15% to 48,600 at Ford. Demand advanced 1% to 25,500 units at Hyundai and 2% to 21,800 at Nissan.

August volumes shrank for Renault (-3% to 63,500), General Motors (-15% to 46,200), Fiat (-3% to 35,000) and Toyota (-8% to 29,700).

Luxury car sales fell last month. Demand dropped 1% to 46,800 for BMW,8 % to 40,900 for Audi and 4% to 37,400 for Mercedes-Benz.