Car sales in the European Union rose by more than 87 percent in March

Sales of new cars in the European Union (EU) jumped by more than 87% last month, which was largely due to the unfavorable pandemic situation a year ago. The European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) informed about it on Friday. According to ACEA, 1,062,446 cars were sold in the EU in March this year. In year-on-year comparison, this represents a growth of 87.3%. However, the sharp growth is not due to a sharp increase in interest in new vehicles, but to a significant drop in sales in March last year, when population movements were restricted due to the spread of the new coronavirus and most shops, including car dealerships, closed. In comparison, car sales in the EU fell by 19.3% year on year in February. Last year's February was the last month before large-scale anti-pandemic measures were taken across Europe. Of the four largest markets in the EU, up to three grew by three digits. Car sales increased by 497.2% in Italy, 191.7% in France and 128% in Spain. The largest market, Germany, also recorded solid growth. On it, car sales increased by 35.9% in March. In the first quarter of this year, approximately 2.6 million cars were sold in the European Union. In year-on-year comparison, this represents a growth of 3.2%. In comparison, in the first two months, sales fell by almost 22%.