Growth in the European new car segment witnessed a slowdown in May, although the market overall continued to grow.

According to the latest figures from JATO Dynamics, May recorded a 0.8 per cent annual increase in new car sales volumes across European markets – the smallest year-on-year rise in sector activity since November 2013.

Meanwhile, year-to-date sales continued to represent healthy growth for the industry in comparison to the same period last year, with a seven per cent increase in trading volumes overall.

However, the organisation added that a direct comparison of May 2014 and 2015 may not be entirely reflective of the present state of the market, as this year saw fewer trading days during the month.

The most popular new car manufacturer during May across Europe was Volkswagen (144,201 vehicles sold), followed by Ford (84,172) and Opel/Vauxhall (80,536). Making up the remainder of the top ten new car producers were Renault, Peugeot, Audi, Mercedes, Fiat, BMW and Skoda.

Buyers were most attracted to the Volkswagen Golf in May, which claimed the month's top spot for new vehicle sales. It was followed by the Ford Fiesta and Renault Clio in second and third positions respectively.

Brian Walters, vice president of data at JATO Dynamics, commented "The number of trading days can affect monthly volumes, disguising underlying trends. The fact that growth continued despite this, along with the strong year-to-date growth gives us reason to be confident about the health of the car market in Europe.

"Regardless of May's monthly total, with sustained underlying demand, new and diverse models driving increased sales and the resurgence of the compact MPV segment, the European new-car market is as dynamic as ever."