The end of Summer typically brings a quieter period for the UK’s new car and LCV markets as buyers anticipate the September plate change, writes Mike Hawes, CEO Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.. Given the tough economic and consumer environment that has impacted markets this year, August’s slight -2.0% decline in new car registrations – and a … [Read more...]
Dealers and drivers doubt importance of new plates
Seven out of 10 car dealers - 70% - say the September registration plate change is less important to the motor industry than it used to be. September’s Startline Used Car Tracker also shows 53% think motorists now care less about driving on the latest plate, and 31% that most don’t even know the newest plate number. However, 18% say there are always … [Read more...]
E-Vans’ market picks up and target for newcomers
Fleets adopting electric vans are using them over longer daily routes, according to new research. Respondents to the 2025 Arval Mobility Observatory Barometer who already have electric vans or were planning to use them were asked whether they would cover distances of more or less than 100 miles. The results showed a definite bias towards more intensive … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Toyota bZ4X Pure
Toyota fans now have a completely electric model added to the range as the industry slowly but relentlessly rolls towards the end of hybrid and internal combustion engines. After dabbling with an electric version of their RAV4 off-roader in the late 90s and pushing ahead with hybrids and stablemate Lexus electric models, it’s now the time for the Toyota … [Read more...]
New car registrations slip to three-year low
The new car market stalled in July with registrations falling -5.0% to 140,154 units, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. The performance was the weakest for the month since 2022 and some -10.8% lower than in pre-pandemic 2019, demonstrating the market’s volatility and wider economic setting. Demand from private and fleet buyers … [Read more...]
Production collapsing, but recovery maybe around the corner
UK new vehicle manufacturing declined by -11.9% to 417,232 units in the first six months of the year, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders last week, but the foundations have been set for recovery. The decline was softened by a 6.6% increase in car production in June, although this was in comparison with last year when model … [Read more...]
Profitability warning with over-supply of cars
Oversupply could begin to push the new car market back towards the kind of peaks seen in the mid-2010s, members heard at a meeting of the Vehicle Remarketing Association. However, a return to nearer 2.5 million sales would be unlikely to represent real demand and would generally be accompanied by poor unit profitability for dealers, the event at BCA … [Read more...]
Jaguar performance crashes
Jaguar Land Rover's disastrous product planning has been laid out for all to see in its latest financial results. The company ended its petrol Jaguar models and up to a year at least before its new generation fully-electric series is in showrooms. Dealers have no cars to sell and depend on service work to keep them going. Its Land Rover division is relying … [Read more...]
23-million car owners in line for mis-sold finance
More than 23 million people expect to be win compensation for mis-sold car finance a new survey has found as Brits await a pivotal Supreme Court ruling that could release tens of billions in potential payouts. A new poll by law firm Slater & Gordon found that 45% of people believe they could be entitled to a payout over a car finance agreement taken out … [Read more...]
Manufacturers pouring money into registrations
Manufacturer and dealer incentives meant the UK’s new car market grew for the second consecutive month in June, as registrations rose 6.7% to 191,316 units, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. It was the best June since 2019, helping lift first half performance 3.5% above the same period last year, although the market remains -17.9% … [Read more...]
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