VW, Fiat and Renault lead emissions-driven European sales down turn

Volkswagen Group, Fiat Chrysler and Renault led a 23.4 per cent European car sales decline in September.

Volkswagen Group, Fiat Chrysler and Renault led a 23.4 per cent European car sales decline in September, the main regional industry body said on Wednesday, as automakers continued to suffer from the introduction of tougher new emissions tests.

Registrations fell to 1.12 million cars in the European Union and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries last month from 1.47 million in September 2017, Brussels-based ACEA said. Volkswagen Group sales fell by 47.8 per cent, Fiat Chrysler by 31.4 per cent and Renault by 26.9 per cent, according to the data.

The French carmaker's alliance partner Nissan also recorded a 43.8 per cent decline.

The new Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test (WLTP) became mandatory on Sept. 1, forcing some carmakers to halt deliveries of some models that had yet to be re-certified.

VW, Renault and Fiat Chrysler had led a sales surge in August, as carmakers boosted discounts and registrations of their own vehicles to be sold as nearly new on the used car market. 

(With inputs from agencies.)