Sales rose to 1,388,136 as a result of double digit increases in four of Europe’s biggest five markets, with Germany leading the way in percentage terms and the UK in volume.

The European Automakers Association (ACEA) reported that Germany saw a 21% increase in sales, lifting volumes to 316,166 in the month while the UK hit 367,929 new registrations, representing an 11.4% improvement. Spain meanwhile shifted 77,374 units, reflecting an 18% hike with France also up, 14% to 183,110.

The governments of all four countries have actively supported car manufacturers by offering car buyers car scrappage incentives and discounts worth thousands of euros/pounds if they trade in their old cars for newer, more fuel efficient models.

Sales Plunge In Non-Scrappage Scheme Countries

In contrast, in countries where such car scrappage schemes have not been in operation, car sales have been hit hard by the recession. Ireland suffered a 34.7% drop in new car registrations in September, whilst Romania new car sales dropped a hefty 74.5%.

For the full year however the picture is different across Europe, with overall new sales down 6.6% to 10,946,161. Only the first few countries to run car scrappage schemes have seen an increase in sales for the first nine months of the year, with new registrations up 26.1% in Germany, 6.7% in Austria and 2.4% in France.