October’s new car market grew by 14.3% to reach 153,529 registrations, 7.2% above pre-pandemic levels and marking the best performance for the month since 2018, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. The 15th month of consecutive growth was driven almost entirely by large fleet registrations, which grew 28.8% to reach 87,479 units. Private demand was stable at 62,915 … [Read more...]
KIA is king but Stellantis is hopeless, say traders
Kia is the best and Stellantis the worst brands to be selling, say car dealers. The NFDA Dealer Attitude Survey was conducted last month and asked franchised dealers questions about the on-going business relationship with their respective manufacturers. It brought 2,531 responses from 32 franchised networks, equating to a joint record response rate of 68%. The 2023 Summer Survey showed a general … [Read more...]
Lords seeking clarity out of confusion
In response to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s net zero statement on Wednesday, Baroness Parminter, Chair of the House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee, has written to Mark Harper MP, Secretary of State for the Department of Transport. In the letter, Baroness Parminter, on behalf of the cross-party committee looking into the ev sector, has asked the following questions … [Read more...]
Running costs drive motorists’ buying decisions, says Startline
The effect of rising living costs on which used cars are chosen by consumers has grown strongly in the last six months, according to September’s Startline Used Car Tracker. Running costs are the most important factor now named by 74% of motorists compared to 62% in April, followed by the cost of living, which is now at 65% against 61% over the same period. Similarly, inflation has risen from 26% … [Read more...]
£600 M investment for MINI evs in UK
The new generation of pure-electric MINI Cooper and Aceman models will be assembled in Plant Oxford in three years time after a £600 Million investment led by BMW. The UK Government is reportedly giving £75 Million towards the cost of reconfiguring the factory and erecting new logistics facilities, it was announced yesterday. The investment will also see the end of petrol and diesel models … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: MINI Cooper S Convertible Exclusive
The British MINI is as traditional as a cup of tea, and next year it will be particularly apt because it’s the Convertible’s 20th anniversary, traditionally marked with a gift of china. Launched four years after the new generation MINI hatch was unveiled by parent BMW in 2000, the MINI Convertible has moved through four generations which include a completely electric version. It’s a neat … [Read more...]
Newslines 21 August
A family of dodgy car dealers has been fined after admitting selling a ‘dangerous and unroadworthy’ vehicle and refusing to honour its warranty. David, Susan and James Bonner-Evans all pleaded guilty to breaching consumer protection regulations in relation to NRJ Motor Company, Bynea, Llanelli and were ordered to pay fines, costs and compensation of almost £13,000 after selling a Fiat Punto to a … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: BMW X1 xDrive2.3i M Sport
As the motor industry increasingly turns in on itself and concentrates on niche models it’s good to see the BMW X1 arrive, genuinely offering something for everyone. Sport, xLine and M Sport trim levels span seven models including three or four cylinder petrol-hybrid units, four-cylinder diesels and an electric version to ensure there is something for every requirement or preference. To that … [Read more...]
Stock funding key in troubled times
Data released by V12 Vehicle Finance shows the fastest-selling models to assist dealers with the acquisitions they make using stock funding. Over the last six months, the following manufacturers have stood out for stock being sold within the first 30 days of funding. Top 10 manufacturers on stocking plan less than 30 days Jaguar – 45% of volume sold within 30 days of being on a stocking … [Read more...]
Car sales rise amid warning on quota
The new car market grew 25.8% in June with 177,266 vehicles registered, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders as it warned of problems ahead in 2024. The June performance marks the 11th consecutive month of growth as the industry gradually overcomes the pandemic-induced supply chain shortages that constrained production for much of the previous two … [Read more...]