Car registrations in Western Europe grew 4.4% year‐on‐year for April. This result came despite a number of markets facing one fewer selling day than in April 2013. The selling rate for Western Europe is estimated at 12.2 mn units/year, the best result so far for 2014. With ongoing improving results in recent months, and the expectation of a modestly expanding Eurozone economy for 2014, the firm forecasts full‐year sales for the region to reach 12.0 mn units.

The largest market in the region, Germany, suffered a slight setback in April, with volumes down 3.6% year‐on‐ year. However, with Easter falling later this year than in 2013, there was one fewer selling day in April 2014 than last year, which more than explains the monthly drop. The selling rate, which takes account of such factors, suggests that sales in Germany remain on track to surpass 3.0 mn units this year.

After a very strong March, the UK market continued to make progress, albeit at a more modest pace. Possibly partly reflecting the very strong March, private sales growth was somewhat weaker than in recent months. The UK continues to look like it will be the largest single contributor to West European growth this year.

Registrations in Spain grew by 28.7% in April. The result is, of course, a much welcome boost for this beleaguered market, and the selling rate of 880,000 units/year is a big step forward. However, the Spanish market remains a long way below where it was pre‐financial crisis (circa 1.6 mn units/year) and continues to be supported by the PIVE scheme. The results in France and Italy again headed in the right direction, though the economic outlook remains challenging in both countries and the firm says it does not expect a major turnaround in these markets' fortunes in the near‐term.