The figures released by the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) shows that May registrations declined 5.9% in the EU, reaching 1,042,742 units. This is the lowest level recorded for a month of May since 1993 when new registrations stood below one million and comes on the back of April's positive growth – the first rise seen in 18 months.

Out of the major markets, the UK was the only country to post growth (+11.0%). This compares to downturns ranging from -2.6% in Spain to -8.0% in Italy, -9.9% in Germany and -10.4% in France.

Five months into the year, a total of 5,070,840 new cars were registered in the region, down 6.8% compared to the same period in 2012. 

Looking at the major markets, Spain and Germany saw their market shrink by 5.8% and 8.8% respectively, while Italy (-11.3%) and France (-11.9%) recorded a double-digit decline. The UK again continued its positive trend, expanding by 9.3%.