Europe’s Car Sales Climb 8%

New-car registrations in the EU28 grew to 894,700 units in February from 831,400 a year earlier, industry group ACEA reports. Results offer the strongest indication yet that the region's sales slump is over.

Four of Europe's five largest national markets posted increases: Germany (+4% to 209,300 units), Italy (+9% to 118,300), Spain (+18% to 68,800) and the U.K. (+3% to 68,700). Sales in France slipped 1% to 141,300 vehicles.

Every mass-market carmaker saw demand rise in February. Leader Volkswagen Group posted sales of 220,800 units across the EU28, up 7%. Volume improved for PSA (+4% to 106,400 units), Renault (+12% to 87,900), General Motors (+12% to 66,300), Fiat Group (+6% to 59,400) and Ford (+11% to 59,000).

Among luxury brands, February sales were up for Audi (+12% to 48,600 units), BMW (+7% to 42,500), Mercedes-Benz (+5% to 40,800) and Land Rover (+2% to 6,300). Jaguar sales plunged 11% to 1,100 units.

Most Asian brands hiked volume last month, led by Toyota (+14% to 38,500 units), Nissan (+3% to 30,800) and Kia (+8% to 24,200). Sales fell at Hyundai (-3% to 30,900) and Honda (-15% to 8,700).