Latest figures from the ACEA show that sales rose 5.4% last month to 1,159,066 units, from the record low volumes registered in September 2012. The figures were helped by an average of one more working day across the EU this year, compared to September last year.

Markets posting growth included France (up 3.4%) and Spain (up 28.5%), which have been amongst the hardest hit by the downturn. The UK continued its run of positive sales with a rise of 12.1%. However, declines were seen in Italy (-2.9%) and Germany (-1.2%).

September marks the third positive month for the European new car market in the last year and fuels hopes of a turnaround for the industry.

However year-to-date EU sales are down 3.9% compared to the first nine months of 2012, continuing the run of annual falls in sales. The UK was the only significant market to record an increase (+10.8%), with the downturn prevailing across other major markets, ranging from -1.6% in Spain to -6.0% in Germany, -8.3% in Italy and
-8.5% in France.