Although there were fewer selling days compared to June 2013, the firm’s figures show that sales grew by 3.9% in June whilst the Seasonally Adjusted Annualised Rate (SAAR) of sales climbed to 12.2 million units/year. In the first six months of 2014, the region’s sales were up circa 5% year‐on‐year, and the market remains on course for a solid full year expansion.

Most markets were up to some extent, with the notable exceptions of Germany and the Netherlands (the latter market struggling even when compared to a weak first half of 2013). In Germany sales were down by 1.9% — the year‐to‐date market was up by 2.4%. However, with one fewer selling day in Germany in June, the latest result is not as disappointing as the headline figure would first suggest said the firm – the selling rate climbed back above 3.0 million units/year. It added that it forecasts a full year expansion of circa 3%, helped by a solid economic performance, though price discounting will continue to play an important role in supporting the market, both in Germany and elsewhere.

The UK car market continued to grow well, up nearly 11% for the first half of the year, a reflection of the strengthening economy. The selling rate was a little under 2.5 million units/year for June. The UK is expected to be the largest volume contributor to the region's growth for 2014.

The Spanish market continues to improve. PIVE 6 is the latest iteration of the government's scrappage scheme, with the latest version introduced in order to maintain the positive momentum in car sales. Consumer confidence has looked on a firmer footing recently and is clearly giving the market a boost.

The selling rate in Italy continued its upward trajectory from the start of the year though the economy remains fragile — any significant improvement in the market is only really expected to take place from 2015.

The French market surprised on the upside in June after a disappointing May result — as with Italy, a fragile economy precludes any serious improvement in cars sales currently, added the firm.