Market Info
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.
April drives up YTD van registration figures
April van sales have helped to drive up year-to-date figures for light commercial registrations. “Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) registrations increased 3.9 per cent compared to the same period last year for which there were there were no changes in road tax,” said Sue Robinson, director of the National Franchised Dealers Association.
94 per cent of all used tyres collected and treated in 2016: ETRMA
A consolidated report on used tyres arising in Europe in 2016 shows 94 per cent were collected and treated. In compiling the data, the European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers’ Association (ETRMA), consolidated used tyre (UT) management data for 2016 covering 32 countries, including the EU28, Norway, Serbia, Switzerland, and Turkey.
British car manufacturing in decline, based on sustained domestic demand fall
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has announced a -4.4 per cent decline in British car manufacturing, as production for the home market fell by double figures. Exports declined in the month too, but only by -0.8 per cent, with 117,139 vehicles shipped overseas, accounting for more than 80 per cent of output.
Moody’s report forecasts bleak year for UK car sales
A report from credit agency Moody’s, featured in the Financial Mail on Sunday, predicts that car sales in the UK in 2018 will be the worst in Europe with sales of new cars expected to fall by -5.5 per cent.
Toyo Tires: Nano process improves energy efficiency in truck tyres
Rubber material development teams at Toyo Tire & Rubber (Toyo Tires) have been working on the company’s ‘Nano Balance Technology’ since 2011, and have now developed a new process development technology that improves fuel efficiency in truck and bus tyres.
Moody’s stabilises auto manufacturing outlook as economic recovery fuels demand
Increased consumer car demand due to improving global economic prospects and a lowering of the rating agency's sales growth requirements for the sector have changed the outlook on the global auto manufacturing industry over the next 12 to 18 months to stable from negative, says Moody's Investors Service in a report ("Automotive manufacturing -- Global, Outlook update: Changing outlook to stable amid improving business environment") published 14 March.
Motorcycle sales up in February, scooter sales drop
The Motor Cycle Industry Association is encouraged by the small rise in demand for motorcycles, though with the caveat that scooter registrations have declined. “Demand for motorcycles in February was up 1.2 per cent on the same period last year, registering 3943 units. However, scooter registrations were down -2.1 per cent,” said Stephen Latham, head of the National Motorcycle Dealers Association (NMDA), which represents motorcycle retailers across the UK.