February’s figures reinforce the robust performance of the UK automotive sector, maintaining a strong start to 2024 and signalling a nineteenth month of consecutive growth, said Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association, commenting on the latest SMMT new passenger car registration figures. In February, a total of 84,886 new cars were registered, an increase of … [Read more...]
Buyers and traders clash over interest charges
Dealers need to “very urgently assess” the implications of recent moves from the Financial Conduct Authority on historical motor finance commissions, says the Vehicle Remarketing Association. While the subject has been gathering prominence in recent weeks following two recent rulings by the Financial Ombudsman, a new programme hosted by personal finances guru Martin Lewis has substantially raised … [Read more...]
Mixed reactions to car sales incentives
The motor trade has seen little improvement in business since Covid restrictions and components shortages ended almost exactly 12 months ago, they have told their trade body. “New car sales have now seen 12 consecutive months of recovery since the pandemic related supply chain shortages. NFDA conducted a flash poll of its members and found that retailers have seen little change in the business … [Read more...]
Fuel for thought as petrol-car sales rise
New figures showing a rise in the sale of petrol vehicles highlight the urgent need to address motoring emissions, according to a leading fuel tech company. Information from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders last week showed sales of petrol vehicles rose 14.6% year-on-year, accounting for 44.7% of all new cars sold in January. By comparison, while sales of battery models … [Read more...]
Best Used Cars of 2022
Hatchbacks and city cars were the fastest selling used models of 2022, according to the latest ranking by AA Cars. The Ford Fiesta has retained its title of the most popular car overall for the eighth year in a row. The trend for smaller vehicles in this year’s fastest selling list reverses 2021’s ranking, in which eight of the top 10 quickest selling models were SUVs. The surging popularity of … [Read more...]
Car sales slowing across Europe
With the EU car market expected to shrink by over a quarter this year compared to pre-pandemic 2019 levels, the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association is calling for a policy framework that enables the market to both recover and make the shift to zero-emissions. These include greater resilience in Europe’s supply chains, an EU Critical Raw Materials Act that ensures strategic access to … [Read more...]
September registrations’ uplift for the fallen
Britain's new car market rose 1.2% in August, said the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. The growth, albeit marginal, is the first seen since February with some 68,858 new vehicles joining the road during what is typically the second quietest month of the year as many buyers choose to wait for a ‘new’ numberplate in September. In Wales, new registrations declined the most in the UK … [Read more...]
Inflation puts brakes on ev models
Rising inflation and cost of living will put the brakes on car sales, particularly electric models, says Close Brothers Motor Finance. It will also slow down the UK Government’s drive towards greener policies for other products and services, according to Lisa Watson, Director of Sales at Close Brothers. The cost-of-living crisis is having a hugely damaging impact on people’s lives, and … [Read more...]
Newslines 15 July
Mercedes-Benz will continue holding a stake in Aston Martin through an investment fund. Aston Martin said today it was looking to raise £653 million pounds through a right issue to shareholders, bringing in Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund as its second-largest shareholder after the Lawrence Stroll controlled Yew Tree Consortium and Mercedes-Benz AG will together invest £335 million pounds … [Read more...]
Car sales take another battering in May
New UK car registrations fell -20.6% to 124,394 units in the second weakest May since 1992, after the 2020 pandemic-hit market, as supply shortages continued to hamper new purchases and the fulfilment of existing orders, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Registrations amounted to 124,394 last month after a boom 12 months earlier when buyers were … [Read more...]