September Car Sales in Europe Rise 6%

Passenger vehicle sales across Europe climbed to 1.19 million units in September from 1.13 million a year earlier, reports ACEA, the auto industry trade group.

Most of the improvement was contributed by the U.K., where a 12% gain boosted sales 43,000 units to 403,100 vehicles. Sales also climbed in France (+3% to 142,200 units) and Spain (+29% to 45,200).

September volume fell in Germany (-1% to 247,200 units) and Italy (-3%) to 106,800).

Almost all of Europe's main-market carmakers posted stronger sales, led by Volkswagen group (+6% to 283,300), Renault (+22% to 94,900), General Motors (+5% to 100,500) and Ford (+5% to 97,000).

Two carmakers, PSA and Fiat, reported sales declines of 3% to 118,200 units and 3% to 64,800 units, respectively.

September was a good month for Europe's luxury brands, all of which gained volume. Sales advanced at BMW (+6% to 88,600), Mercedes-Benz (+14% to 62,900), Audi (+3% to 66,800) and Jaguar Land Rover (+11% to 18,100).

Sales for the January-September period totaled 9.34 million, down 4% from the same period in 2012. Volume in the U.K. the only major market in Europe to expand rose 11% to 1.79 million units.