Car registrations grew by 4.6% in October in Western Europe year-on-year, according to the latest figures from LMC Automotive.

October registrations rise and fall across Western Europe

The UK experienced a poor month in October, with registrations falling by 12.2%, resulting in a 4.6% figure for the year-to-date (YtD).

France, Spain (13.7% each) and Italy (7.1%) all showed impressive growth figures, continuing the trend for the year and in contrast to the overall market. However, Italy’s selling rate eased to 1.9 million units/year overall.

Similarly, the German market expanded by 3.9% YoY in October and despite one fewer selling day in the month than in the previous year.

Despite the month’s overall increase, the selling rate in Western Europe fell to 14.0 million units/year from 14.2 million units/year in September.

The West European forecast by LMC predicts the market will grow to just under 14.3 million units/year end-2017, while in 2018 average figures look to be dragged down by UK sales and high base effects, leading to lower YoY growth at around 0.8%.