Latest data from LMC Automotive shows that a total of 701,245 units were registered the region last month, up 9.6% and equating to a 13 mn units/year‐plus selling rate.

Among the Big Five markets, Spain continued to lead the way, achieving 23% growth YoY.

The Spanish market registered its best August result since 2009, as the seasonally adjusted annualised rate of sales moved further above the 1‐mn‐unit mark. Supported by the ongoing government scrappage scheme, and higher disposable income, buyers are finding it easier to access finance, and business confidence appears to be returning to the country after a tumultuous few years.

The recent deceleration in consumption growth in France, after the end of the low oil price boost, does not appear to be having a dampening effect on its car market, with its selling rate up at 1.9 mn units/year, monthly growth up 10% year-on-year, and year‐to‐date growth a healthy 6%.

Sales were strong in Italy too, where almost 60,000 cars were registered this August – up 11% on last year’s result. In the first eight months of 2015, car registrations have increased by 15% in Italy and, while the selling rate has softened in recent months, remains strong compared with recent years.

In Germany sales were up by 6.2% — the year‐to‐date market was up by 5.6%. While the selling rate slipped a little compared with the previous month, the market remains on course for 3.2 mn units for the full year — the best year since the scrappage‐inflated 2009 result.

The German car market remains on course for a solid improvement for 2015, though growth is being driven by the corporate rather than private retail side.

Finally, car sales in the UK increased by circa 10% in August. The UK market continues to be driven by fleet sales, this trend reflected in other major markets in Western Europe.