The UK’s used car market declined for a second consecutive quarter in Q3, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. But overall, 2017 remains level with 2,102,078 second hand cars changing hands from July to September, representing a fall of -2.1%. Year-to-date, the market remained at record levels after a bumper first quarter, with more than 6.3 million buyers opting for a … [Read more...]
Welsh car sales holding up better than UK
New car registrations fell 12.2% in October across all parts of the market, said the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders today. Sales totalled 158,192, leaving registrations in the year to date down 4.6% compared with 2016 led by a decline in business and consumer confidence, said the SMMT chief executive Michael Hawes. Demand for diesel cars slumped by about 30% and the industry … [Read more...]
Wales new-car sales worst in UK
New car sales in Wales have collapsed further than the rest of Britain. Registrations fell by 17.5% in September compared to 12 months ago and the downturn in England was approximately half that but it also meant the running total of registrations in Wales so far this year is over 10% below nine months in 2016, also the worst in the UK. The SMMT said the fall was due to uncertainties over … [Read more...]
Wales’ new-car sales among UK worst
The brakes are still going on Britain’s new car sales. Figures from the SMMT car-makers’ body today show the fifth consecutive month for a decline but August has always been a slow month as buyers hold off for the new plate and registrations of 67-plate models will provide a better indicator of the overall market. Registrations dropped 6.4 percent to 76,433 vehicles, according to … [Read more...]
UK car making soars nearly 8% led by exports
British car manufacturing rose 7.8% in July, with 136,397 new units rolling off UK production lines, said the SMMT. Major carmakers ramped up production for new and existing models in the month ahead of summer factory shutdowns, which provide an essential period for plant maintenance, upgrades and re-tooling. Production for the UK bounced back in July, in readiness for the important … [Read more...]
Used car market slows, bargains to be found
The brakes are going on used car sales after a dip in new car sales. UK used car transactions declined in the second quarter of 2017, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. It recorded 1,832,400 used cars changed hands in the period, a fall of -13.5%, on the back of a record 2016 and turbulence in the new car market following changes to VED rates on new cars introduced … [Read more...]
New car sales continue reversing
New car sales have gone into reverse for the fourth month in a row and were down over 9% in July with businesses taking a quarter less cars, said the SMMT. Diesel powered models fell 20% while alternatively fuelled vehicles soared nearly 65% and market leaders Ford and Vauxhall were very badly hit while PSA Group saw a steep decline as well and Volkswagen Group brands all improved. July … [Read more...]
Parts & repairs face rise after March 2019
British motorists could see their annual car service and repair costs rise by 10% to £777 after Brexit if no deal is reached between the UK and the EU. A new report by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders shows that the UK’s collective car repair bill could rise by more than £2 billion if tariffs and other barriers to trade are imposed. The Importance of the Aftermarket to the UK … [Read more...]
Ford Fiesta has nothing to fear from rivals
Britain’s most popular car has just improved. The Ford Fiesta has consistently been the top selling car in Britain and since 2008 over a million have been put on our roads, while over four decades about 4.5 Million have been registered. Those are impressive numbers, but the new seventh generation model now reaching showrooms is arguably the best since it was launched in 1976. It … [Read more...]
Golf tops slowing new car sales market
The UK new car market has declined for a third consecutive month with 243,454 new units registered in June, said SMMT. Registrations fell at a slower pace than in the previous two months, by -4.8%, as demand continued to stabilise following a record first quarter and the subsequent market turbulence caused by the recent changes to Vehicle Excise Duty. The market is now more in line with … [Read more...]