Strong sales in April, but 2008 forecasts reduced
Author: Robin Brown
Published: 08 May 2008
April was the best month for growth in new-car registrations so far in 2008, up 5,505 units to 175,668, according figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Meanwhile sales of alternatively-fuelled vehicles was up 8.4 per cent in April to 1,323 units, while sales of diesel vehicles hit a record market share high of 45.5 per cent. The early Easter boosted sales thanks to three extra days of selling during April.
The strong sales come on the back of March's registration change - a strong period for new-car sales - but also comes at a time when record petrol prices and economic uncertainty have threatened a downturn in the automotive industry.
However, SMMT has revised its sales predictions for the year downwards because of the current difficult conditions.
Total UK sales are now expected to reach 2.335 million units – down 70,000 units on initial forecasts.
“With fuel prices sky-high, consumers are looking for efficient motoring they can afford. The latest registration figures show diesel-powered vehicles have hit their highest monthly market share on record, alongside a stronger focus on super-efficient small cars,” said Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive.
Market sectors
Growth was been bolstered by strong demand from fleet buyers - with fleet demand rising by 7.5 per cent in April, its strongest rate since October 2007.
Private sector sales slipped by 1.2 per cent in April and by 2.2 per cent over the year-to-date.
Manufacturers and segments
The Ford Focus maintained its best seller slot in April and was also the best-selling diesel model. Vauxhall pipped Ford to be the best-selling brand in April, with the Astra, Corsa, Vectra and Zafira in the top ten.
Supermini and executive segments posted the strongest growth rates in April, whilst the lower medium segment had the largest volume gain. MPVs continue to show best growth over the year-to-date.
Gas guzzling manufacturers suffer as high taxes and petrol prices bite, but bad news for manufacturers could be good news for buyers.
New-car and van registrations in August drop 20 per cent over the month, used car values are worst since early-90s recession. The recession hits the UK car market.
Citroen extends zero per cent finance and cash back deals this September on over 50% of range - including vans - whilst cost-cutting three year servicing bring further cheer to fed up UK car buyers.
SMMT figures for July that show the automotive sector slowing considerably, with new-car sales down 13 per cent over the month and year-to-date figures also down.
Chrysler will be pinning its hopes on the new Jeep Cherokee SUV after its fortunes have been badly hit by the downturn in the US market.
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