Major European Auto Markets Increase Sales for July

July might be the first sign that the European car industry is rebounding. Sales in Germany increased by 2% in July, and OpelOpelGermany, 1863 > present85 models
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and Mercedes-BenzMercedes-BenzGermany, 1924 > present197 models
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had sales increase. French sales increased by 1%; it is the first time that the market has posted any gains in two years. Spanish car sales were up 15% because the government started a car scrappage program. 

Germany registered 253,146 vehicle sales in July. There was one extra day of sales this July compared to July 2012, which factored into the extra sales. However, auto sales for the last seven months are down 7%. 

German brands that had been struggling are improving. Opel sales increased by 11% thanks to strong sales of the MokkaOpel Mokka Gen.1Germany, 2012 > present55 versions
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and CascadaOpel Cascada Gen.1Germany, 2013 > present5 versions
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. FordFordUnited Kingdom, 1909 > present33 models
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sales increased 2%. Mercedes-Benz was up 10% for July in Germany. 

"The German car market is not out of the woods yet, but July is a good start for the stabilization we expect in the second half," said Matthias Wissmann, president of Germany's automotive industry association.

Source: Automotive News Europe