New car registrations in the EU rose 4.9% in November; largely the results of the introduction of the WLTP testing cycle 15 months ago.

Largely the result of last year’s introduction of WLTP, EU passenger car registrations were up 4.9% in November but down 0.3% for the year to date

Figures from the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) show November’s rise marked the third consecutive month of growth this year but was predominantly the result of a low base of comparison. November 2018 registrations fell 8.0% following the September 2018 launch of the new cycle.

Among the major European markets, UK car registrations fell 1.3% last month, but Germany (+9.7 %), Spain (+2.3%), Italy (+2.2%) and France (+0.7%) all posted growth.

The rise in November – along with October and September – means the year-to-date figures are almost back at levels from one year ago (-0.3%). However,  four of the five major EU markets declined from January to November, most notably Spain (-5.7%) and the United Kingdom (-2.7%). Germany (+3.9%) remains the only big market that recorded growth so far in 2019.