2:39 am, January 7, 2012
DEMAND for new cars was down 4.4 per cent in 2011 compared to the year before but were ahead of predictions, the latest SMMT figures reveal.
A total of 1,941,253 units were registered in 2011, down 4.4 per cent on 2010, but ahead of the SMMT’s prediction of 1.92 million units forecast.
The 2011 figures were affected by a weak start to year contributing significantly to the 4.4 per cent – or 89,593 units – decline, but a stronger second half helped. By the year’s end, the 2011 market was just 1.1 per cent down. The year’s total figures were also helped by fleet sales, with the private market recording a drop in volumes.
However, 2011 was ahead of the SMMT’s predictions for the year – 18,000 or 0.9 per cent ahead.
The Ford Fiesta was the best selling new car in 2011, with the VW Golf the best selling diesel model. The supermini segment remains the largest in the UK, with a market share almost unchanged on 2010 at 36.3 per cent. The executive, luxury saloon and dual purpose segments all recorded growth in registrations in 2011.
‘Weak economic growth will make trading conditions tough in 2012, but record numbers of new and updated models, significantly improved fuel efficiency and exciting new technologies will help to encourage consumers into showrooms,’ said the SMMT’s chief executive, Paul Everitt. ‘Business and consumer confidence will be the key to a successful year, so it will be important that government delivers on its growth strategy and helps to resolve instability in the Euro Zone.’
The SMMT’s forecast for 2012 is ‘to be broadly stable, with firmer recovery expected in 2013’.
