March Car Sales in Europe Jump 11%

Deliveries of cars and crossover vehicles across Europe rose to 1.94 million units last month from 1.75 million in March 2016, says trade group ACEA.

The region’s five largest national markets reported big gains. Registrations rose in the U.K. (+8% to 562,300 units), Germany (+11% to 359,700), France (+7% to 226,100), Italy (+18% to 226,200) and Spain (+13% to 125,600).

Market leader Volkswagen AG saw its group sales in March rise 6% to 414,800 vehicles, buoyed by Skoda (+9% to 73,400 vehicles) and SEAT (+17% to 44,900). But the group’s two highest-volume brands, VW and Audi, lost market share by improving only 4% to 188,1000 units and 98,300 units, respectively.

Most of Europe’s other mass-market carmakers reported significant gains last month. Demand rose for Renault (+14% to 183,100 units), PSA group (+7% to 181,100), Ford (+17% to 158,400), Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (+18% to 130,900) and Opel (+3% to 130,800).

BMW AG (+8% to 129,800 vehicles) outsold rival Daimler (+13% to 115,500). But Daimler’s Mercedes-Benz Cars units surpassed BMW-brand sales 104,100 vehicles to 102,300.

March deliveries of Asian brand passenger vehicles climbed 11% to 397,100 units to capture 20.5% of the European market. Results were bolstered by strong gains by segment leaders Toyota (+19% to 89,600 units), Nissan (+18% to 92,600), Hyundai (+9% to 60,100) and Kia (+10% to 55,000).