October Car Sales in Europe Grew 3%

Deliveries of passenger vehicles across Europe last month rose to 1.14 million units from 1.11 million in October 2014, industry group ACEA reports. Volume through the first 10 months of the year expanded 8% to 11.93 million vehicles.

Growth in the region’s largest markets were mixed last month. Sales improved slightly in Germany (+1% to 278,400 units) and France (+1% to 161,700). They expanded more strongly in Italy (+9% to 132,900 units) and Spain (+5% to 80,100). But year-on-year demand declined 1% to 177,700 units in the U.K.

Group sales in October fell 1% to 288,200 vehicles at Volkswagen as deliveries of VW brand cars declined from 151,800 to 142,400 units. Demand also eased for PSA (-2% to 120,200 units), Renault (-0.4% to 108,600) and Opel (-3% to 68,800). Groups posting gains included Ford (+2% to 79,100 units) and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (+8% to 70,600).

Sales of Asian brands rose 6% to 170,100 units last month. Increases by Hyundai (+4% to 38,000) and its Kia affiliate (+8% to 32,700), Mazda (+35% to 17,900) and Suzuki (+14% to 15,700) offset shrinkage at Toyota (-4% to 48,000) and Nissan (-4% to 40,300).

Among Europe’s biggest luxury brands, Audi rose 4% to 65,800 deliveries, BMW climbed 13% to 62,700 units and Mercedes grew 11% to 61,500 cars and crossovers in October, according to ACEA.