February Car Sales Rose 4% in Europe

Deliveries of passenger vehicles across Europe climbed to 1.16 million units last month from 1.11 million in February 2017, says trade group ACEA.

Among the region’s five largest markets, sales gained­ in Germany (+7% to 261,700 units), France (+4% to 168,900) and Spain (+13% to 110,500). Volume shrank in Italy (-1% to 181,700 vehicles ) and the U.K. (-3% to 80,800).

Most of Europe’s main-market carmakers posted hefty gains in February, led by Volkswagen Group (+9% to 281,400 vehicles). Renault and Ford saw deliveries rise by 6% to 122,000 units and 9% to 76,200 cars, respectively.

Sales of PSA’s core brands climbed 11% to 131,200 units. When Opel, which was acquired last August, is included, the company’s sales jumped 67% to 196,900 vehicles. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles posted a 4% decline to 83,100 vehicles last month.

Among the market’s big three luxury marques, Audi (+1% to 56,700 units) outsold rivals Mercedes-Benz (+4% to 56,100 cars) and BMW (-1% to 52,300) in February.

Demand for Asian brands saw declines for the segment’s leaders last month. Sales slipped 1% to 54,500 units for Toyota and fell 7% to 39,000 for Nissan. Hyundai and Kia sales climbed 7% to 37,000 units and 6% to 36,000 units, respectively.

ACEA, which reports results only for its members, no longer posts figures for Mazda, Suzuki or Mitsubishi.