New car sales in the European Union fell in August with the bloc’s five major markets recording decreases, according to data published on Wednesday.
New car registrations, a reflection of sales, fell 8.4% on year in August across the EU to 1.04 million vehicles, the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association, or ACEA, said.
The decrease was mainly the result of a high comparison base, the association said. In August 2018, car makers ramped up sales ahead of the introduction of new emissions rules, leading to double-digit growth in many European markets.
The association, whose members include Europe’s biggest car makers, said the drop in demand was led by Spain and France, where sales fell 31% and 14%, respectively. New car sales were 0.8% lower in Germany and fell 3.1% in Italy, while the UK recorded a 1.6% decline.