Europe’s Car Sales Rise 4% in May

Europeans bought 1.13 million vehicles last month compared with 1.09 million in May 2013, industry group ACEA reports.

Sales in Italy dropped 4% to 131,600 vehicles. But volumes rose for Europe's four other largest markets. They climbed 5% to 274,800 units in Germany, 8% to 194,000 in the U.K., 0.3% to 149,000 in France and 17% to 82,500 in Spain.

May's results across the region were driven by strong group sales for Volkswagen (+10% to 301,700 units), PSA (+4% to 122,000) and Renault (+18% to 102,800).

Volumes fell for General Motors (-7% to 83,400 units), Ford (-3% to 82,400) and Fiat (-3% to 71,800).

Europe's biggest luxury brands advanced last month. Audi sales climbed 5% to 66,800 units, Mercedes jumped 6% to 57,800 units, BMW rose 1% to 55,900 vehicles and Volvo surged 14% to 21,900).

Results were mixed for Asian producers. Gainers included Toyota (+2% to 45,800 units), Nissan (+10% to 38,700), Kia (+4% to 31,600) and Mazda (+20% to 13,900). Sales slipped at Hyundai (-3% to 35,600) and were unchanged at Honda (11,100).