February Car Sales Slip 1% in Europe

New-car deliveries across Europe dipped to 1.15 million units in February from 1.16 million a year earlier.

Trade group ACEA reports that sales were mixed among the region’s largest markets. Sales rose in Germany (+3% to 268,900 units), France (+2% to 172,400) and the U.K. (+1% to 82,000). Volumes declined in Italy (-2% to 177,800 vehicles) and Spain (-9% to 100,700).

Three of the market’s major manufacturers recorded declines in February. Group sales ebbed for Volkswagen (-1% to 280,600 units), Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (-5% to 80,200) and Ford (-5% to 71,000). Sales advanced modestly for PSA (+1% to 198,300 cars) were flat at Renault at 121,700.

Last month’s group totals rose 5% to 65,400 units for Daimler but fell 4% to 62,500 for BMW.

February sales declined among almost all Asian-based members of ACEA. Volume fell for Hyundai-Kia (-1% to 63,900 units), Toyota (-3% to 44,600), Nissan (-24% to 27,400), Mazda (-5% to 14,700) and Honda (-11% to 7,500). Mitsubishi was the sole exception: Its sales last month surged 31% to 10,800 vehicles.