Europe’s Car Sales Climb 6%

Passenger vehicle sales in Europe grew by 60,000 units to 1.19 million units in September, according to ACEA, the auto industry trade group.

Most of the improvement came from the U.K., where a 12% gain boosted sales 43,000 units to 403,100 vehicles. Sales also climbed in France (3% to 142,200) and Spain (29% to 45,200).

September volume fell in Germany (-1% to 247,200 units) and Italy (-3%) to 106,800).

Most of Europe's main-market carmakers posted stronger sales. They include Volkswagen group (+6% to 283,300), Renault (+22% to 94,900), General Motors (+5% to 100,500) and Ford (+5% to 97,000).

Demand dropped for PSA and Fiat, whose sales dropped 3% to 118,200 units and 3% to 64,800 units, respectively.

September was a good month for Europe's luxury brands, all of which gained volume. Sales advanced at BMW (+6% to 88,600), Mercedes-Benz (+14% to 62,900), Audi (+3% to 66,800) and Jaguar Land Rover (+11% to 18,100).