There was good news for the German economy as car sales rose in September in Europe's biggest market.

Sales were up four per cent on the back of the introduction of new models, with the industry hopeful the fresh impetus will continue to spur consumer demand.

Sales have been sluggish in recent years amidst high unemployment levels and slow economic growth.

The automotive-industry association told Bloomberg that sales climbed to 284,172 vehicles and sales in the first nine months of 2005 were up three per cent to 2.5 million cars (no 2004 figure was provided for comparison).

Sales in the first nine months of 2005 gained three per cent to 2.5 million cars.

Separately, leading German manufacturer and the world’s fourth-largest carmaker, Volkswagen said it had increased worldwide deliveries by 3.5 per cent in September.

Deliveries in the German market increased 8.7 per cent.

Sales chief Georg Flandorfer noted: "Almost one in every five new car buyers decided in favour of a Volkswagen in September."


Ÿ Adfero Ltd