Italy Auto Sales Rise 13%

Italian new car sales increased 13% in December, giving the market its second consecutive year of double-digit growth in 2016, Europe Autonews reported. Registrations increased to 124,438 last month despite one less selling day compared with last year, Italy’s transport ministry said on Monday. The December gain was the 31st consecutive month of growth for the Italian market and the best result for December since 2010. Sales to private buyers grew by 8.3%, representing 64% of the market. Rental car sales gained 14% and business sales jumped 40% pushed by tax breaks ending in December. All major groups except Nissan made sales gains.