Germany’s Car Sales Climb 12%

New-car registrations in Germany climbed 12% to 269,400 units in January, according to KBA, the government’s motor vehicle authority.

Market leader Volkswagen posted a 10% gain to 54,300 vehicles last month, followed by Mercedes-Benz (+8% to 26,400) and Ford (+16% to 18,400). Audi sales shrank 3% to 21,000 vehicles, and BMW sales rose only 2% o 20,800 units.

Most of the 12% overall expansion was contributed by smaller-volume brands. Many of them—including Citroen, Dacia, Hyundai, Jeep, Kia, Peugeot and Porsche—recorded volume increases of 25% or more.

Demand for diesel-powered passenger vehicles in Germany fell 18% in January, reducing diesel’s share of the market to 33%, KBA says. Deliveries of vehicles fueled with gasoline climbed 32% to capture 62% of the market.​​​