• Car Dealer Plus
No Result
View All Result
  • Latest
  • Used Cars
  • Live
  • Forum
  • Power 2020
  • Used Car Awards
  • CDX
  • Knowledge
  • Suppliers Guide
  • About Us
  • Latest Issue
  • Top 100
  • CD Plus
  • Latest
  • Used Cars
  • Live
  • Forum
  • Power 2020
  • Used Car Awards
  • CDX
  • Knowledge
  • Suppliers Guide
  • About Us
  • Latest Issue
  • Top 100
  • CD Plus
No Result
View All Result

SMMT: October sales up

James Batchelor by James Batchelor
February 18, 2013
0
Home News

NEW car registrations were 12.1 per cent up in October, the latest figures from the SMMT reveal.

151,252  new cars were registered, five per cent UP year to date.

Highest performing car last month was the Ford Fiesta – achieving 8,056 units, followed by the Vauxhall Corsa with 6,285. Next was the Focus with 5,834, and the Astra at 5,754.

While promising, the figures are still not back up to pre-recession levels – but do at least appear strong in the face of weak European demand.

‘The UK continues to lead the way in European new car sales, with the main continent’s decline triggering unease in global automotive manufacturers,’ commented Deloitte’s David Raistrick.

‘On the one hand, a number of major UK dealer groups have reported strong sales growth in 2012, but their counterparts in Europe are witnessing a decline. This is particularly uncharacteristic in Germany, where a double digit contraction in September 2012 for new cars and a 2% reduction overall for the year will instigate some very serious dialogue in the boardroom.’

Small cars are becoming increasingly common, too. The ‘mini’ segment – housing cars like the Ford Ka and Fiat 500 – has grown 52 per cent year-to-date. Collectively, it and the ‘supermini’ segment represented 40 per cent of the market.

‘UK consumers continue to drive the market, with sales consistently growing,’ said Richard Lowe, Head of Retail & Wholesale at Barclays.

‘The latest GDP figures may further boost this confidence, but with the economic recovery likely to be a long and winding road, we may see private buyer appetite slowing as we head into 2013.’

Fleet sales, meanwhile, haven’t experienced quite the same boost. ‘Retail car sales continue to drive the market in October whilst fleet sales remain flat,’ said Sue Robinson, Director of the RMI National Franchised Dealers Association.

‘Retail customers are now committing to buying cars often helped by the competitive offers made available by the manufacturer. In particular, Personal Contract Purchase plans are helping to boost sales as they offer a low cost finance option to many consumers.

‘Smaller cars and AFVs continue to sell well indicating consumers are now looking for a more economically and environmentally friendly vehicle that offers better fuel economy and cheaper maintenance.’

SMMT Chief Executive Paul Everitt commented: ‘Despite uncertainty in the European economy, the UK new car market continues to grow, with registrations rising more than 12% in October to 151,252 units.’

‘It is encouraging to see the alternatively-fuelled vehicle market performing strongly, up 13% so far this year. Although the alternatively-fuelled vehicle sector represents only a small share of the overall market, it is vital that government sustains its consumer incentive programme and maximises the benefits available through the vehicle taxation system.’

Previous Post

ING leaves £1bn UK hole

Next Post

Dealer’s £3.5 million sale

Related Posts

A Peugeot e-208 on the road
News

Top 20 most searched for used electric cars revealed as Auto Trader predicts EVs to overtake combustion models by 2025

January 27, 2021
The Peugeot Partner electric van charging
News

Jan 27 round-up: 50,000 more Covid deaths possible; First private space crew; Holocaust remembered; Peugeot e-Partner

January 27, 2021
Stratstone reveals multi-million-pound plans for redevelopment of BMW sites in Derby and Hull
News

Stratstone reveals multi-million-pound plans for redevelopment of BMW sites in Derby and Hull

January 27, 2021
News

Lamborghini London celebrates delivery of two super-rare Sian hypercars

January 27, 2021
Facebook research shows UK consumers are more prepared to buy online
News

Facebook research shows UK consumers are more prepared to buy online

January 27, 2021
News

Used car market sales are ‘exceeding expectations’ so far in January, new data reveals

January 27, 2021

Want to receive the latest news?

Sign up to the Car Dealer daily news briefing for the latest news and advice during these unprecedented times.

Subscribe Now
Video: How do you buy a used car online and get it delivered to your house? We put online car dealer Carzam to the test
Car Dealer Live

Video: How do you buy a used car online and get it delivered to your house? We put online car dealer Carzam to the test

January 23, 2021
Used Car Awards Shortlist: Find out who made it through mystery shopping and are now in running for our gongs
News

Used Car Awards Shortlist: Find out who made it through mystery shopping and are now in running for our gongs

January 6, 2021
Car Dealer Top 100 – The list in full of the most profitable car dealers in the UK
Car Dealer Top 100

Car Dealer Top 100 – The list in full of the most profitable car dealers in the UK

January 20, 2021
Car Dealer Live: Data shows there are buyers out there and they want new cars via click and collect, say What Car? team
Car Dealer Live

Car Dealer Live: Data shows there are buyers out there and they want new cars via click and collect, say What Car? team

January 20, 2021
Stellantis: What is it? Which brands does it have? And what does it mean for customers and dealers?
News

Stellantis: What is it? Which brands does it have? And what does it mean for customers and dealers?

January 26, 2021
Become a Car Dealer Plus member and get more out of this website including free legal advice
News

Become a Car Dealer Plus member and get more out of this website including free legal advice

January 15, 2021
Car Dealer Live: Top tips for car dealers to keep business and spirits high during national lockdown
Car Dealer Live

Car Dealer Live: Top tips for car dealers to keep business and spirits high during national lockdown

January 23, 2021
Car Dealer Power

The best car dealer suppliers named in the Car Dealer Power Awards 2020

November 26, 2020
  • Latest
  • Used Cars
  • Live
  • Forum
  • Power 2020
  • Used Car Awards
  • CDX
  • Knowledge
  • Suppliers Guide
  • About Us
  • Latest Issue
  • Top 100
  • CD Plus
Call us: 020 8125 3880

© 2020 Blackball Media

No Result
View All Result
  • Car Dealer Plus
  • Latest
  • Used Cars
  • Live
  • Forum
  • Power 2020
  • Used Car Awards
  • CDX
  • Knowledge
  • Suppliers Guide
  • About Us
  • Latest Issue
  • Top 100

© 2020 Blackball Media

Log In
Register
Register
Server C