European new car sales rise again after 13 months of decline

New car sales in the European Union returned to growth in August after 13 months of decline.

Sales increased 4.4% overall and rose in the main markets of Spain, Italy, Germany, and France, although they remained well below pre-pandemic levels, the European Union of car manufacturers said.

This year and so far, total sales volume has declined by 11.9%, largely due to the ongoing shortage of semiconductors.

The eurozone is suffering from high inflation, which reached a record level of 9.1% on an annual basis in August.