Booming sales kick off in January

January rise sees 2015 new UK car registrations off to strong start.

Positive start to the year for new car market as registrations grew 6.7% in January to 164,856 units – the strongest January since 2007.

Record growth period for whole market continues: January marked the 35th consecutive month of rises.

Growth in company car registrations particularly strong, up 18.1% on January 2014.

4,598 alternatively-fuelled vehicles registered in January, up 60.8% on last year’s figure of 2,859.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “These figures mark an encouraging start to the year after a very strong 2014, with a strikingly robust company car market as businesses take advantage of the attractive finance offers currently available.

“January saw increased uptake of both petrol and diesel cars, while demand for alternatively-fuelled vehicles continued its surge with registrations rising by 60.8%. Registrations of plug-in vehicles were particularly strong as consumers responded to a greater choice of makes and models delivering lower running costs.

“Last year’s 9.3% rise in the overall market was fuelled by stronger than expected economic confidence and, for 2015, we expect to see some levelling off throughout the year: demand is back to pre-recession levels following record-breaking growth.”

Return to form for trucks demand helps CV market grow

“The truck market posted a strong return to form in January.

“Changes to Euro Standards and Type Approval Regulations in 2014 affected demand last year, and now we are starting to see a return to business as usual,” said Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive.

Commercial vehicle market continues growth for ninth consecutive month, up 23.2% to 24,567 units.

Truck registrations increase 38.6% to 2,518 units, led by pent-up demand in the market.

Van market continues trend of impressive growth, up 21.7% to 22,049 units.

UK van and truck registrations: 2014 and % change on 2013

“The number of vans registered this month has once again increased, reflecting raised levels of business confidence and demand for a range of efficient, well equipped models. Successes in both markets have seen the total commercial vehicle market grow significantly for a ninth consecutive month.”

In the van sector the 2-2.5tonne vehicles jumped almost 46% over the last rolling 12 months while all vans up to 3.5T are up over 19% in the same period. In January alone, the mid sized vans saw registrations rise 63%, 15.1% up to 2T and nearly 14% 2.5-3.5T.