EU passenger car demand slows down in May, shows slight growth

Brussels - Demand for new passenger cars in the EU increased by 1.3 percent in May marking the 21^st consecutive month of growth, according to the Brussels-based European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA).

With the total sales of just over 1.1 million units, the growth was, however, the lowest in the streak of consecutive months of growth, signalling a possible slowdown in high passenger car demand in the EU.

The market was mixed in the month of May with two major contributors, France and Germany posting a negative trend with a 3.5-percent and 6.7-percent drops respectively.

Spain continued its growth trend strongly registering a 14 percent growth, followed by Italy and the UK which posted 10.8-percent and 2.4-percent increases respectively.

Demand was largely supported by the EU’s new member states, especially Poland with an 11-percent rise and the Czech Republic with a 17.6-percent increase.