Sales rise as new car buyers vote for UK dealers
- New car registrations up seven per cent in April to 179,996 units
- Year to date sales hit 855,079 units, a rise of 3.2 per cent
- Demand from private buyers soared 18 per cent to 86,906 units
New car registrations rose by seven per cent in April, once again driven by
strong demand in the private sector. Up 18 per cent last month, private sales
through franchised dealers have fuelled seven months of growth in the new car
market. The UK continues to buck the European trend, where sales fell by an
average 4.9 per cent in the first quarter of the year.
Commenting on the figures, Christopher Macgowan, SMMT Chief Executive, said
‘Although some people have called for an end to manufacturers’ dealer networks,
seven consecutive months of growth shows that car buyers have confidence in
their local franchise. They know that the most competitive deals are available
in the UK and that their local dealer is best placed to offer advice, assistance
and after sales care’.
Notes to editors
- Private registrations accounted for 48 per cent of total registrations last
month compared to 44 per cent in April last year. - The forecast for total registrations this year is 2,25 million units. Last
year 2.22 million new cars were registered in the UK.
April 2001
The attached tables show the registration figures for Great Britain, Northern
Ireland, The Isle of Man and the Channel Islands in detail. Top performers by
range and UK penetration figures are also listed. Providing the SMMT is acknowledged
as the source of this information, the figures may be quoted. Substantial reproduction
needs specific approval by the SMMT.
