The German car market was down 5.8% in May (at 305,057 units) versus the same month of last year, according to data released by the KBA. Public holidays and selling days were a factor behind the decline during the month, which saw diesel car sales dented again (down 27.2%).
In the first five months of the year, sales were up 2.6%, the data shows .
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The sharp decline to diesels could be linked to continued negative media reporting as well as the possibility of partial bans on diesels in German cities. Hamburg is the first German city to ban older diesel cars from parts of the city centre and other cities are said to be considering restrictions.
Among the German brands in May, Volkswagen (+ 5.8% at 63,835 units) and Mini (+ 2.5%) were winners. There were declines for BMW (-15.8%), Opel (-15.1%) and Mercedes (-13.3%).
With a share of 20.9%, Volkswagen was the market leading brand by a considerable margin, boosted by strong sales of its new T-Roc compact SUV.
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