October Car Sales Rise 6% in Europe

Passenger vehicle registrations climbed to 1.11 million across Europe last month from 1.05 million in October 2013, according to industry group ACEA. The increase marked the second consecutive month of 6% growth.

Sales volume dropped 4% to 160,100 units in France. But last month's volume grew in Germany (+4% to 275,300), the U.K. (+14% to 179,700), Italy (+9% to 121,700) and Spain (+26% to 76,100).

Among mass-market carmakers, General Motors (-6% to 70,700 units) was the only one to post sales shrinkage. Demand rose for Volkswagen group (+7% to 289,200), PSA (+1% to 121,600), Renault (+10% to 109,000), Ford (+4% to 78,100) and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (+8% to 65,400).

Among the most popular luxury brands, Audi sales climbed 8% to 63,600 vehicles. Mercedes (+9% to 55,500) barely surpassed BMW (up 7% to 55,300).

October sales by Toyota, the leading Asian carmaker, were flat at 49,700. Sales surged 20% to 42,100 for Nissan and 10% to 36,400 for Hyundai. Kia sales advanced 4% to 30,200.