The most remarkable results in the history of the Fleet World/ALD Automotive MPG Marathon were recorded at this year’s event, including the highest ever figure for a diesel car and a petrol-engined competitor nearly topping 100mpg, proved that green engine technology in all its forms is moving on in huge strides. The overall winner, with a record-breaking fuel economy figure of 122.0mpg after … [Read more...]
Diesel sales take another knock
Diesel car sales in the UK have fallen again. Figures from the SMMT monthly registration show a drop of 20,000 diesels in May compared with a year ago and some believe this is the beginning of the end of the diesel engine in the wake of emissions concerns. It will come as a blow to vehicle makers who have invested millions of pounds, euros and dollars in the latest Euro6 compliant units over … [Read more...]
Car makers optimistic for rising sales in 2017
European car makers are now more optimistic for sales this year than at the beginning of 2017. Following its annual meeting in Berlin it forecast 2017 car registrations in the EU will rise +1.5-2% compared to the earlier prediction of 1%. Over 12.5 million Europeans now work directly or indirectly in the automotive sector, representing 5.7% of total EU employment and passenger car production … [Read more...]
Car makers move streets ahead on-line
Ford is streets ahead of rivals on-line, that’s the conclusion of a marketing study by Mediaworks. The analysis by Mediaworks looks at the success of selling brands on the web and it contains a few surprises. Coming after two other reports showed that younger buyers are most influenced by advertising and also that savvy-buyers are now beginning their on-line searches for replacement cars up … [Read more...]
Massive jump in AVF UK sales as diesels dip
Hybrids and electric cars saw a massive boost in registrations last month at the expense of diesel. Diesel sales dipped nearly 10%, petrol went up almost 6% but the real surprise was a 49% jump in alternatively powered models, the biggest since they entered the market several years ago, said the SMMT. A combination of concerns over emissions and impending hefty increases for running a diesel … [Read more...]
Dealers’ positive view of sales prospects this year
The majority of UK car dealerships are positive about their business prospects for 2017, with 65% expecting growth over the next year, say Close Brothers Motor Finance. Despite many industry figures predicting the sector will contract in 2017, the majority of dealers surveyed monthly by Close Brothers Motor Finance remain resolutely positive about the prospects for their own businesses in the … [Read more...]
Analysts expect 2017 car sales to fall
The UK new car market will fall by around 3.5% next year to around 2.6 million cars, predicts Glass’s. However, while the figure looks disappointing in isolation, the vehicle data provider points out that this will still be higher than any year in the last decade except 2016. Rupert Pontin, director of valuations, said: “We have become used to the new car market growing on a year-by-year … [Read more...]
Summer sales cooling in showrooms
Britain’s new car market is “cooling" this summer. Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders showed a 0.1% rise compared to a year ago and put down to business sales keeping it ahead. Sales in the first seven months of 2016 were 1,599,159 but the industry has been expecting a slow down and SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said it was important for the Government to maintain … [Read more...]
Newslines 13 June
Monday afternoon is the most popular time to buy a new or used motor online, according to Buyacar.co.uk. Data crunched from thousands of consumers buying new or used cars on Buyacar.co.uk over the past year reveal 4pm on Monday as the most popular time for consumers to press the button on their next car purchase. … [Read more...]
February car sales hit 12 year high
Strong incentives from manufacturers and dealers pushed up registrations 8.4% in February on the eve of the new March number plate. Deals encouraged 22.6% more private buyers to sign on the dotted line and they were more interested in EVs and hybrids as well. SMMT figures out show 83,395 new cars registered in February, the highest in 12 years at this time of year. In Wales, the top ten … [Read more...]