Industrywide registrations increased 6.5 percent to 15.1 million vehicles, the highest level since the 2007 peak, the Brussels-based European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association, or ACEA, said on January 17.
Regional leader Volkswagen lost market share with a 3.3-percent sales gain as demand at its namesake brand declined amid the fallout of the emissions-cheating scandal.
Renault’s deliveries surged 12 percent by wooing buyers with an updated lineup including a new Megane hatchback, helping it push rival PSA Group.
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV was the fastest growing major carmaker last year with a 14 percent gain on demand for Jeep models.
