![](https://www.motorfinanceonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2017/03/UploadsNewsArticle4925051main.jpg)
The number of cars sold across the EU increased 16% year-on-year to 1,288,200 in May, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA).
All markets grew in the period, except for Ireland where 6% less cars were sold in May 2016 than in May 2015.
A number of countries posted extremely strong growth. Cypriot car sales jumped 53.9%, while Greek and Lithuanian car sales increased 48.7% and 47.4%, respectively.
Of the so-called Big Five economies, Italian car sales of 187,631 in May 2016 were 27.3% higher than they were in May 2015, while France (+22.3%) and Spain (+20.9) also both grew by over 20%. The German car market increased by 11.9% year-on-year in May, while UK car sales increased by just 2.5% over the period.
Group sales
Almost one in four (309,708, or 24.0%) cars sold in Europe in May was from the VW Group, though this market share was down slightly from 25.5% in May 2015.
How well do you really know your competitors?
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
![](/wp-content/themes/goodlife-wp-B2B/assets/images/company-profile-unit.png)
Thank you!
Your download email will arrive shortly
Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample
We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form
By GlobalDataVolkswagen, the largest manufacturer, also saw its market share also fall despite sales growing 4.1%, to 143,303.
Renault Group sales grew 28.7% to 137,102, overtaking PSA Group for the month. PSA sales increased 18.7% to 135,442.
FCA Group and BMW Group also both grew at above market rates, at 25.7% and 21.2%, respectively.