Car sales in Western Europe were stable throughout October compared to the same period in 2002, thanks in part to low interest rates and incentives, according to analysts at JD Power-LMC today.

Drivers bought 1.198 million cars in the region, the same level recorded last October, meaning the total fall in sales is now 1.6 per cent.

Experts and insiders have predicted a pick-up in the latter part of this year to compensate for weak shipment rates in its early months, and expect a stronger recovery in 2004 due to improving economic conditions and a range of new models.

In a statement, company spokesman Pete Kelly said 'it's increasingly clear that aggressive incentives are the preferred option for carmakers when the alternative is falling volumes resulting from an economic slowdown.'

'Clearly there remain obstacles to growth in this key market…but with positive economic signals coming from the broader economy there seems to be room for optimism'.

The automotive market has enjoyed some good fortune of late with analysts generally expressing optimism about the future of the industry in Europe and the US.