New-Car Deliveries in Europe Climb 2%

Passenger car sales across Europe rose 2% to 1.54 million units in June, according to trade group ACEA. Volume for the first half of 2017 advanced 5% to 8.46 million vehicles.

Sales in the region’s five largest nations were mixed. Demand rose in France (+2% to 230,900 units), Italy (+13% to 187,600) and Spain (+75% to 131,800). But deliveries fell in Germany (-4% to 327,700 cars) and the U.K. (-5% to 243,500). Results were bolstered by strong gains in several eastern European national markets.

June sales also varied widely among Europe’s largest carmakers. Year-on-year sales improved for Volkswagen Group (+3% to 358,500 vehicles), Renault (+3% to 187,600), PSA (4% to 156,600), Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (+8% to 106,700) and Daimler (+4% to 95,100).

But June deliveries declined for BMW Group (-3% to 103,300 units) and Opel (-7% to 95,500).

Asian-brand carmakers outpaced the market last month with a 5% gain to 286,000 combined sales. The segment’s performance was led by Toyota (+13% to 76,600 cars), Nissan (+5% to 54,300), Hyundai (+4% to 49,600), Kia (+6% to 43,700) and Suzuki (+15% to 22,600).