Fleet registrations grew by 8.6% across Europe, in August, but only by 0.4% in the UK.
After a moderate increase by 6.6% in June and even a drop in July of 1.4%, new passenger car registrations were growing strongly in August.
All five European markets, analysed by Dataforce, showed positive results, especially Spain and Italy.
There were several brands which achieved growing figures in all five countries: Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Land Rover and Maserati plus some non-premiums including Kia, Renault, Suzuki and Toyota.
After two months of decline, the UK fleet market reported an increase of 0.4%, while the private market had to face the fifth month in a row with decreasing registrations.
Behind the two market leaders Ford and Opel/Vauxhall, Mercedes ranked third with a significant rise of 23.5% which was mainly due to two models: The A-Class and the C-Class.
Audi held on to fourth place with very consistent numbers - adding one single registration compared to last year’s August.
BMW (+ 68.6%) and Kia (+ 78.1%) also had strong results. Outside the top-10 Seat reached a new all-time record market share and Land Rover (+149%) also performed well.
Dylan Setterfield - cap-hpi International Forecasting Manager - 14/10/2016 15:52
It needs to be remembered that some of these countries (especially Italy and Spain) are increasing from a very low base, even by historical standards.