The most likely reason for such a sharp jump is the introduction of the new WLTP test cycle (a procedure for measuring fuel consumption and harmful emissions), which became mandatory for all registrations of new cars from September 1, 2018. Because of this, a number of automakers offered cars at very favorable prices before WLTP came into force. As a result, double-digit growth rates were recorded both in most EU countries and in the five key markets.
In particular, in Spain sales jumped by 48.7%, in France by 40%, in Germany by 24.7%, in the UK by 23.1%, and in Italy by 9.5%.
Germany still holds the status of the largest automobile market in Europe. In a month, 316,405 passenger cars were sold in Germany.
France remains in second place — residents of the country purchased 150,390 cars in August.
The top three is closed by Spain with 107,692 cars sold.
Among European automakers, the first line, as usual, is occupied by VW Group, whose sales in EU markets reached 307,600 cars — this is 41% more than in August last year.
Second place goes to PSA Group with a result of 157,550 cars sold, which exceeds last year's figure by 17.9%.
The third result in terms of sales volume is demonstrated by Renault Group — 140,052 units (+57.8%).
In the first eight months of 2018, registrations of new passenger cars in the EU grew by 6.1% and reached 10.8 million units, largely due to abnormally high figures in the summer months. If we consider the main markets, demand increased in Spain (+14.6%), France (+8.9%) and Germany (+6.4%), while sales in Italy remained almost unchanged (-0.1%), and in the UK a decline of 4.2% was recorded.
