Market Info
UK new van market holds steady after mixed 2018
The new light commercial vehicle (LCV) market dropped -8.8 per cent in December, capping off a mixed year for the sector, which saw a moderate decline of -1.3 per cent in 2018, according to the latest figures from the SMMT.
Fall in new car market a ‘wake up call’ to policy makers
The UK new car market declined by -6.8 per cent in 2018, with annual registrations falling for a second year to 2,367,147 units, according to figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). A -5.5 per cent decline in December capped a turbulent year of model changes, regulatory upheaval and continued anti-diesel policies, adding to the ongoing decline in consumer and business confidence.
Dundee closure ‘supports Michelin’s intent to accelerate cost savings’ – analyst report
An analyst report published by Jefferies International Limited has stated that the closure of Michelin’s Dundee plant “supports [the company’s] intent to accelerate cost savings during 2019-20.” Presenting its nine-month 2018 results in October, Michelin warned that demand had deflated in the car and truck markets and it was revising down its guidance; subsequently Michelin shares fell to a seven-year low.
Van market up five per cent in August
The British light commercial vehicle (LCV) market grew last month according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Just over 16,000 new LCVs were registered in the traditionally small month of August, representing a 5.0 per cent increase in demand.
August car sales up 23 per cent – electric cars account for one in twelve sales
The UK new car market enjoyed a boost in August, as year-on-year demand rose 23.1 per cent, according to the latest figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). 94,094 new cars were registered in the month as the market responded to regulatory changes, with cost-savvy buyers taking advantage of some compelling deals in what is always one of the year’s smallest months.
New van market declines -5.9 per cent in July
The UK new light commercial vehicle (LCV) market declined -5.9 per cent in July, with 23,309 vans and pick-ups registered, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Car market stabilises in July
The UK new car market remained stable in July, with year-on-year demand growing by 1.2 per cent, according to the latest figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). 163,898 new cars were registered in the month as the market stabilised following a turbulent first six months.
June LCV sales down nearly six per cent
British light commercial vehicle (LCVs) registrations declined in June, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). 35,182 new vans and pickups were registered last month, representing a -5.8 per cent decline on June 2017.
SMMT urges government to back new-tech diesel following market decline, uncertainty
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) is urging the UK government to act to support the sale of traditionally fuelled vehicles following the news that the UK new car market declined moderately in June. Year-on-year demand fell by -3.5 per cent, the SMMT stated, as 234,945 new cars joined British roads, representing relative stabilisation considering recent turbulence over the past year or so. While alternatively fuelled vehicle sales continue to rise, they are not yet at a level that can relieve the decline in traditionally fuelled vehicle sales, and the SMMT argues for government to provide increased support for petrol and especially new technology diesel vehicles.
Mycarcheck.com: Sales spikes for alternative fuel cars and 126-650cc bikes
Mycarcheck.com’s valuation experts reveal significant trends in the UK used vehicle market and choose a car and bike of the month.
Micheldever/Protyre moves up to fourth, Lodge Tyres jumps in retail rankings
In last year’s ranking of the top tyre retailers in the UK, Tyres & Accessories predicted that the pace of change in the top 20 chains by branch count would result in some jostling for position. This has proved entirely accurate, as two major acquisitions have brought two of 2017’s top 20 into the fold of higher ranked companies, leading to both Micheldever/Protyre, leapfrogging HiQ into fourth place as predicted last year, and Lodge Tyre, into the top 10 from joint-14th last year, making significant jumps in this year’s table. Most other retailers have held relatively stable positions in terms of the number of stores, while our most recent additions to the table, Eden Tyres (15 stores) and Elite Garages (13) were identified as narrowly missing out on places last year.
Growth in every size segment from 17” up, but rapidly slowing
The UK’s high performance tyre sector – in this case defined by tyre diameters of 17” and above – has continued its growth trend, but at a very much slower rate than in 2017.
Petrol car oversupply possible in the used market in the medium term, says VRA
The used car market should prepare for a potential oversupply of petrol cars in the medium term, says the Vehicle Remarketing Association.
Motorcycle sales stable in May
Year to date figures from the Motor Cycle Industry Association show that the market stands at 44,695 units registered - only 158 more bikes sold than the same period last year.
Linglong to become first Chinese global Top 10 car tyre manufacturer by 2019 – analyst
New research by London based independent research company Astutus Research suggests that a domestic Chinese company could be about to join the top 10 global manufacturers of passenger car and light truck (PCLT) tyres. Linglong Tyre, currently ranked 12th globally in the segment by unit sales, is forecast to take tenth place by 2019, replacing South Korea’s Kumho Tyre. The move would make the manufacturer the first from China to enter the PCLT top 10.