16/02/2010 (Agence Europe) - With some countries still offering scrappage schemes, annual car sales in the EU in January showed a 12.9% increase, the European Automobile manufacturers' Association (ACEA), announced on Tuesday 16 February. In all, 1,058,868 new cars were registered in the EU (the figures do not include Cyprus and Malta). When the three EFTA countries (Iceland, Norway and Switzerland) are included, 1,085,894 new cars were sold in 28 European countries, an increase of 13% in January. Among the larger markets were France (+14.3%, 171,478 new registrations), Spain (+18.1%, 70,130), the UK (+29.8%, 145,479) and Italy (+30.2%, 206,341). Germany, despite a rise in exports, say its market to decline (-4.3%, 181,189 new registrations). (L.C./transl.rt)