Economy affects European car sales
European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) said that European car sales fell 2.6% year on year, from 5.49 million units to 5.35 million units in the first four months of 2005. ACEA indicates that the figures were strongly influenced by the slowdown in the European economy. In April alone, car sales amounted to 1.36 million units, down 0.8% compared to the same period last year. France (12.2%), Spain (6.6%) and Germany (4.1%) reported increase in April car sales. However, both Italy (-6.4%) and the UK (-4%) saw losses. Sales at Volkswagen AG, Europe's largest automaker, rose 6% to 243'512 units, fuelled by a 21.6% rise in Audi sales.