European car demand dipped by a percentage point in April, according to the latest forecasts from J.D. Power-LMC.

The seasonally-adjusted annualised rate of sales (SAAR) fell from the 13.9m units/year average of the first quarter to 13.75m in April.

The firm's estimate for the Western European market in April is 1,233,393 units, a year-on-year – a decrease of 6.6 per cent with year-to-date registrations down 3.8 per cent at 5,065,379 units.

The main contributor to the decline was Italy, where an incentive scheme had come to an end in the previous month.

April provided confirmation of the weakening trend in both French and UK sales, while German demand remained at the same low level that has prevailed since the start of the year. There was some improvement in the Spanish results.