2014.04.1703:21:00UTC+00Europe Car Sales Rise For Seventh Month: ACEA

Demand for new passenger cars in the EU increased for the seventh consecutive month in March, the European Automobile Manufacturers Association reported Thursday.

Car sales surged 10.6 percent in March from last year versus 8 percent rise in February. About 1.44 million units were registered, which was the second lowest result to date for a month of March since ACEA began the series in 2003 with the enlarged EU.

In March, all major markets contributed positively to the overall growth. The U.K. and Spain registered double-digit growth of 17.7 percent and 10 percent, respectively. Sales rose 8.5 percent in France and by 5.4 percent in Germany. In Italy, registrations advanced 5 percent.

In the first quarter, new car sales climbed 8.4 percent to 3.24 million units.