Cautious optimism on car sales from NFDA

Commenting on the SMMT car registration figures, Sue Robinson, director of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), which represents franchised car and commercial vehicle retailers in the UK, said: “Pent-up demand helped sales during the first weeks, but the market will need to be monitored closely to support the sector over the coming months”

Robinson added: “Positively, feedback from dealers suggests all customers are accepting the changes to standard procedures implemented in dealerships showing that business in showrooms is running safely and smoothly.

“As many regular commuters have turned to driving to avoid public transport, used and relatively economical cars have been particularly popular over the past weeks.

“We look forward to seeing next month’s figures when the effects of pent-up demand will have started to ease, and more UK dealerships will have been open throughout the month.”