9:39 am, January 17, 2017
CATERHAM has posted record sales figures for 2016, with more than 600 Caterham Sevens sold in the past 12 months.
It’s the highest 12-month sales result for Caterham since 1996. More than half (55 per cent) of cars were sold to UK customers, with 45 per cent exported.
The sales increase has been supported by further growth in Caterham’s UK dealer network, adding representatives in the north-west, south-west and in the Midlands with the launch of a bespoke Caterham dealership, while expansion of the iconic manufacturer’s model range has also had a positive impact.
In 2016, the new Seven 310 and Seven Sprint models were unveiled. The retro-soaked Sprint in particular proved hugely popular, with all 60 examples – representing 10 per cent of the year’s total sales – being sold within one week of the car being launched at the Goodwood Revival in September.
Despite the UK’s decision in June to leave the EU, Caterham’s export sales remained consistently strong, with more than 100 Sevens hitting French roads alone and more than 60 Sevens unleashed in Japan.
Chief executive Graham MacDonald said: ‘Despite the political change last year, Brexit’s impact on our business has been negligible, as we forecast. Export customers may have benefited in the short term due to the weaker pound, but when you look at the markets, the UK and other territories have not faltered in 2016.’
Caterham chief commercial officer David Ridley said: ‘This milestone shows exactly what we’ve achieved thanks to our unique partnerships and growing number of dealers.
‘Over the last 12 months, we’ve worked hard to expand our UK dealer network, had the 620R immortalised in Lego, and seen the 310 model become an instant favourite. We’re keen to continue this momentum in 2017 as we celebrate 60 years of the Seven.’
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