EU car market picks up after dip in July

Brussels – While July upset the unbroken string of growth in new passenger car registrations in Europe, the industry seems to have picked up the positive trend in August and September.

After 34 months of consecutive growth, July saw a 1.4 percent drop in European passenger car registrations, as a result of summer holidays and a negative post-Brexit trend in the UK.

In August, however, the industry had “an impressive” comeback with a 10-percent year-on-year growth, according to the European Automotive Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA).

The positive trend continued in September with 7.2-percnt growth and total sales of 1,455,180 units.

In volume terms, said the Brussels-based ACEA, this result marked “the highest September total on record.”

All major markets posted growth, contributing to the overall upturn. Italy led with 17.4 percent, followed by Spain and Germany. France and the UK showed more modest growth rates.