Germany’s Car Sales Fall 10%

Registrations of new cars in Germany dropped to 261,300 units in May from 290,000 units a year earlier, according to federal auto bureau KBA.

The downturn squelched the hope sparked by April's 4% increase in the country's sales, which was the first year-on-year gain in six months. In January-May 2013, deliveries slid 9% to 1.22 million cars.

Registrations in Germany last month declined 10% to 56,600 vehicles at the market leading Volkswagen brand. Demand shrank 8% for Mercedes-Benz (24,400 vehicles), 10% for Audi (23,000 units) and 11% for the BMW make (21,300 units).

Brand volume in May dipped 1% at Ford (19,600 units) and tumbled 16% at General Motor's Opel (19,300 vehicles).