September Car Sales Rise 14% in Europe

Registrations of new passenger vehicles across Europe jumped 14% to 1.29 million units in September, thanks to abnormally low volume in the same month in 2018, says trade group ACEA.

Results last year plunged 23%, depressed by the rollout of Europe’s new WLTP emission certification requirements. Compared with a more normal September 2018, last month’s total was down 12%.

Last month’s rebound buoyed all five major European markets. Deliveries rose in the U,K. (+1% to 343,300 units), Germany (+22% to 244,600), France (+17% to 173,400), Italy (+142,100) and Spain (+18% to 81,800).

Every major European carmaker posted better year-on-year results last month. Sales gained for Volkswagen Group (+47% to 259,000 units), PSA Group (+4% to 209,000), Renault (+28% to 123,100) and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (+13% to 69,500).

September sales were mixed for Europe’s most popular luxury car manufacturers. Group sales advanced 7% to 94,100 for Daimler and 39% to 43,400 for VW’s Audi brand. Results were flat for BMW Group at 102,300 and declined 3% to 29,600 for Jaguar Land Rover.

Sales also were mixed among Asian members of ACEA last month. Deliveries grew for Hyundai/Kia (+6% to 102,300), Toyota (+7% to 72,400 units) and Honda (-4% to 11,600).