Car registrations in the EU have fallen for a second month running as a result of the full introduction of the WLTP test cycle on 1 September.

Despite the turbulence in recent months, the EU new car market was up 1.6% for the first 10 months of the year

Latest figures from the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) show registrations fell 7.3% – although the decline was less than the 23.5% fall seen in September – with demand down in all five major markets.

It follows a bumper summer that saw registrations rise 10.5% in July and 31.2% in August as  carmakers offered substantial discounts on NEDC-tested vehicles in the run-up to the deadline due to stringent derogation rules.

Overall, the EU car market remains up for the first 10 months of the year, with a 1.6% uplift compared to one year ago. Performance was mixed for the five biggest car markets, with Spain (+10.0%) seeing the highest growth rates, followed by France (+5.7%) and Germany (+1.4%). By contrast, registrations declined in Italy (-3.2%) and the UK (-7.2%).