The new car market grew 24.4% in August with 85,657 new vehicles registered, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. While August is typically a quieter month with many buyers choosing to wait until the September numberplate change, an increase of 16,799 units means the sector is now entering a second year of growth. Despite this improved performance, … [Read more...]
Legend car makers facing end of the road
Around 51% of car dealers think that the arrival of new Chinese electric vehicle companies in the UK market will force some established manufacturers out of business. Startline’s June Used Car Tracker also shows that 31% believe some existing brands are already falling behind and 36% say that the next few years will see them fold thanks to tougher competition. In terms of who will be affected, … [Read more...]
Car makers push fleet & business sales
The UK new car market recorded its ninth successive month of growth in April, with an 11.6% increase to reach 132,990 registrations, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. The performance marks the best April since 2021’s 141,583 units but remains -17.4% down on 2019 volumes. Large fleet registrations grew by a third (33.1%) to 68,537 units as the … [Read more...]
Newslines 2 May
Aston Martin Works is announcing the availability for the first time in decades of new major components, including gearboxes and engine blocks, for some of the brand’s most iconic sports cars. Working with trusted suppliers the team at the heritage home of the world-renowned British car maker has developed entirely new engine blocks, cylinder heads, gearboxes and other major components – all … [Read more...]
One-in-six new cars sold now electric
In March, electric cars accounted for 16.21% of all new car registrations in the UK, as the exponential growth in EV uptake seen in recent years begins to stabilise. While demand for electric vehicles is still high, it is likely that slower rates of growth will continue until the ZEV Mandate is implemented in 2024, and supply is able to consistently match consumer demand. Ben Nelmes, Chief … [Read more...]
New car sales slowly rising
The first quarter of 2023 has been positive for UK new vehicle sales, said Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association. “It is extremely encouraging to see sales figures starting to emulate pre-pandemic trends, particularly for the plate change month of march and consecutive months of optimism and growth,” she said, commenting on the latest SMMT’s new passenger … [Read more...]
Ford Puma leads but Welsh car sales still low
New car sales in Wales last year rose just 1.09% to 57,557 registrations, said the SMMT. They were helped by a 15.33% increase in December to 4,026 compared to the same month in 2021. Ford dominated the market but MG was very close to them. Wales Top Ten 2022 Ford Puma 1955 Ford Kuga 1341 MG ZS. 1319 MG HS. 1292 Ford Fiesta 1235 Nissan Qashqai 1209 Dacia Sandero 1167 Toyota … [Read more...]
Britons love Chinese drive away evs
China is becoming a major exporter of electric cars to Europe and Britain. Exports of electric vehicles from China more than doubled in November, creating a monthly record, mostly fueled by European automakers who have set up factories in the country. Car manufacturers in China exported $3.2 billion worth of electric vehicles in November, up 165 percent from a year ago to reach the highest-ever … [Read more...]
Newslines 22 November
Chinese car makers have Europe in their sights with highly specified, lower priced cars which come with the highest safety ratings as well such as the NIO ET7. Matthew Avery, director at Thatcham Research, a British car research centre funded by insurers and a Euro NCAP board member said the latest testing regimes had given top awards to a handful of Chinese makers looking to enter Europe … [Read more...]
Newslines 31 October
S&P Global Ratings calculates it will be two years before the global car market picks up and blames weakening demand despite supply chain issues easing. The credit rating agency said worldwide car sales were likely to be flat this year, with Europe performing the worst of all regions and it’ll be late 2024 at the earliest before sales even get near 2019’s level of 90m. Volkswagen is holding … [Read more...]