8:05 am, April 5, 2012
NEW car registrations rose 1.8 per cent in March, according to the latest figures from the SMMT.
The month saw 372,835 new 12-plate cars registered, with quarter one volumes rising 0.9 per cent to 563,556 units on the back of better than expected March.
‘The important March new car market performed above expectations rising 1.8 per cent to 372,835 units, boosted by the third consecutive month of retail growth,’ said SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt.
‘Domestic demand for new cars is showing signs of recovery with private buyers increasingly returning to take advantage of a wide range of excellent products and, this month, the new 12-plate.’
‘The increase in retail car sales highlights the early signs of a more stable market,’ said Sue Robinson, director of the RMI National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA).
‘March is typically a strong month for new car registrations with the March plate change boosting sales. However, the strong increase in private registrations shows some signs of economic recovery with consumers feeling confident enough to commit to purchasing a big ticket item.
‘In order for the market to remain stable the Government should offer support by reviewing schemes that could improve consumer confidence and boost spending.’
The SMMT has produced a video about the crucial March’s registration figures.
