EU new car sales continue to fall in September

New car sales in the European Union (EU) decreased by 9.6 percent in September, compared to the same month of last year, marking the sixth consecutive month of decline, according to a report released by the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) on Friday, Xinhua informed.

In September, all European major markets contracted, with new car sales in Spain down by 27.3 percent over a year ago. There were also drops of 18.9 percent in Italy, 17.8 percent in Germany, 8.9 percent in Britain and 8.2 percent in France.

In contrast, markets such as Ireland or Latvia expanded considerably, posting growth from very low levels in 2009 and 2008.

Over the first three quarters of 2010, new car sales in the EU were 4.3 percent lower compared to the same period of 2009, totaling over 10 million vehicles.

Analysts said the sales drop this year was mainly due to the end of the scrapping schemes in many EU countries and weak demand amid economic uncertainties.

Among the major car makers, sales of Volkswagen group, the largest seller in the EU markets, fell by 5 percent year-on-year in September, while Peugeot Citroen group sales fell by 7.3 percent.