The data shows that the seasonally adjusted annualised rate of sales hit 83.2 million units/year while year-on-year growth was positive as a result not only of ongoing strong demand, but also comparison with weaker demand in September 2012.

The firm adds that the slowdown in US sales was notable, though not entirely unexpected after such a strong showing in recent months, while Brazilian demand also eased. The European market showed further signs of stabilization after a long period of decline. Chinese demand remains strong.

Truck sales (up 5.2%) outperformed car sales (up 2.8%) and the total market for the ninth consecutive month. The combined large segments (up 10.5%) outperformed both the compact (up 3.6%), and midsize (up 1.1%) segments; The Large Conventional segment (up 15.3%), Compact CUV segment (up 17.3%), and Large Pickup segments (up 9.3%) were the strongest performing major segments.

In Western Europe, after a soft result in August, the market showed further signs of stability and the suggestion of recovery. Not only was there a slight increase in year-on-year sales, but the selling rate gained ground, rising to a little under 13.1 mn units/year. The UK market was particularly strong.

Similarly, in Eastern Europe, the market hit its highest level since March with a 4.6 mn units/year selling rate. Russian sales moved up a gear after market weakness during the summer months: the Light Vehicle selling rate hit 2.8 mn units/year, close to the firm’s full-year 2013 expectation for the market.