Auto sales in Europe rose 27% in August, as manufacturers liquidated their stocks before the arrival of the WLTP, according to LMC Automotive.
Enrollments went to 1.02 million, compared to 802,000 the previous year, the consultancy said on Wednesday. Their numbers are based on national data and estimates for some smaller markets.
The new WLTP test became mandatory on September 1, forcing carmakers, including Volkswagen Group and Renault, to stop deliveries of some versions of models that have yet to be certified under the new procedure.
In a move that will likely dent the 2018 gains, manufacturers increased incentives and August registrations of their own cars to sell them almost as new in the used car market.
August sales increased by 25% in Germany, 23% in the United Kingdom, 40% in France, 9.5% in Italy and 49% in Spain, according to data published in recent days.