Car sales have plummeted across Europe in recent months, as the financial crisis impacts consumer demand, but there is one company in particular that is still performing very well.

Mazda announced a 29.8 per cent upturn in vehicle registrations throughout the continent in May when compared with the corresponding month in 2012.

The firm said it sold 11,401 units during the month and 61,160 Mazda cars were registered in the first five months of the year.

Chief operating officer at Mazda Motor Europe Phil Waring was happy with the figures.

"The European automobile market has been difficult, to put it mildly, so it's very encouraging to see our hard work bringing results," he remarked.

Overall, the European car market shrank by 5.9 per cent during the month – its worst performance since 1993.

A recent report by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders showed the downturn in demand from Europe has not hindered British car makers too much, as domestic sales have held up well.

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