New-Car Deliveries Jump 8% in Europe

New passenger car registrations across Europe rebounded in May from a 7% decline in April, trade group ACEA reports. Sales last month climbed 8% to 1.43 million units and boosted sales through the first five months of 2017 5% to 6.92 million units.

ACEA notes that results approached the volume achieved in May 2007, just before the economic crisis depressed the auto market.

Sales in the U.K. last month fell 9% to 186,300 units. But deliveries jumped in Germany (+13% to 324,000 units), Italy (+8% to 204,100) France (+9% to 191,400) and Spain (+11% to 126,400).

Almost all major carmakers posted year-on-year gains for the month. The exception was Opel, whose May sales in the region slipped 2% to 86,900 units.

Volkswagen Group saw volume grow 8% to 348,800 vehicles, including an 8% gain to 162,000 vehicles for VW brand models. The company’s Skoda and SEAT brands hiked sales 15% to 67,700 units and 12% to 34,800 units, respectively.

May sales climbed for Renault (+10% to 154,200 units), PSA (+5% to 144,100), Fiat Chrysler Group (+12% to 109,800) and Ford (+4% to 90,800).

Daimler (+14% to 91,100 units) outsold arch rival BMW Group (+3% to 90,200) in Europe last month. Daimler’s Mercedes-Benz unit (+17% to 81,500 units) extended its lead over BMW brand vehicles (+2% to 71,500). Demand for VW’s Audi brand advanced 1% to 76,200 cars and crossover vehicles.

Asian brands posted combined sales last month of 264,300 units, up 16% from May 2016, according to ACEA. Results were led by Toyota (+21% to 61,100 vehicles).