Market Info
UK light commercial vehicle market soars, up by 41.0 per cent in August
The UK new light commercial vehicle (LCV) market rose in August, up 41.0 per cent, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). The market has grown in every month of 2019, with 23,120 new vehicles registered in August for use on UK roads, as operators respond to regulatory changes and take advantage of some compelling deals on the latest models available in what is usually one of the year’s smallest months.
Slight fall in August new car sales, but strong showing for electric cars
SMMT figures show that the UK new car market remained steady in August, with just 1,521 fewer cars registered than in the same month last year. Registrations fell by -1.6 per cent in what is typically one of the smallest months of the year, as falling demand for diesel and plug-in hybrid vehicles continued to impact the overall market.
UK LCV sales up 11 per cent in July
SMMT figures show that the UK new light commercial vehicle (LCV) market rose in July, up 11.0 per cent. The market has grown in every month of 2019, with 25,862 new models registered in July for use on UK roads as operators were enticed by the range of new models and attractive offers on the market.
Drivers are now four times more likely to buy an electric vehicle, says NFDA
If all drivers in the market were to make their next car purchase tomorrow, we could expect the proportion of hybrid and pure electric cars to quadruple, according to the latest NFDA Consumer Attitude Survey 2019.
Double-digit drop in June motorcycle registrations
“Motorcycle registrations declined -11 per cent in June for the second consecutive month this year”, said Stephen Latham, Head of the National Motorcycle Dealers Association (NMDA) which represents motorcycle retailers across the UK. Figures from the Motor Cycle Industry Association reveal that a total of 11,643 machines were put on UK roads last month – 1,446 fewer registrations than the same period last year.
LCV registrations still buoyant in June
In contrast to the new car market, SMMT figures reveal that June marked the sixth consecutive month of growth for the UK new light commercial vehicle (LCV) market, as registrations rose 13.5 per cent. The performance meant a record first six months of the year, as buyers continued to be attracted to the variety of enticing offers and ranges available.
June UK car sales – decline continues as low emission sales falter
UK new car registrations declined for a fourth consecutive month in June, with year-on-year demand falling by -4.9 per cent to 223,421 units, according to the latest figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). 1,269,245 new cars joined British roads in the first half of the year, down -3.4 per cent as ongoing confusion over low emission zones and diesel, the removal of key ultra low emission vehicle incentives and an overall decline in buyer confidence affected the market.
UK new car market falls again in May
The UK new car market declined by -4.6 per cent in May with 183,724 units registered, according to figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). The fall reflects continued uncertainty over diesel and clean air zones as well as the removal of incentives for plug-in hybrid vehicles. Meanwhile, the underlying economic and political instability continues to affect consumer and business confidence.
Brexit planning nearly halves UK car production
UK car manufacturing output plummeted in April, with figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) showing it was down -44.5 per cent year-on-year. 70,971 cars rolled off production lines in the month, as factory shutdowns, rescheduled to mitigate against the expected uncertainty of a 29 March Brexit, took effect in many plants across the UK.
April motorcycle sales up 7.3%
Sales of motorcycles continued to rise in April, according to figures released by the Motor Cycle Industry Association. April sales were up 7.3 per cent against April 2018, and 9.4 per cent up in the year-to-date. In total, 36,951 bikes have been put on UK roads so far 2019, up by 3,188 registrations compared to 2018.
Growth and stability amongst leading UK tyre retailers
6 - 10 stability, but battle for ninth position Outside of the top five, there is a certain degree of stability amongst the remaining five companies. Those in sixth, seventh and eighth position (McConechy’s, The Tyre Group and Lodge) appear to have remained stable in terms of branch count, with 61, 58 and 40 branches respectively. However, it is worth considering all this in the context of ULM Services Ltd the fleet-orientated cooperation Universal, Lodge and McConechy’s set up during 2017. Put those three partners together and we have 119 branches and another strong contender for fifth position on the table.
ETEL continues to lead top 20 UK tyre retailers 2019
After years of expansion amongst the top 20 UK tyre retailers, the latest data shows that this trend peaked in 2017/2018 when the top 20 accounted for 2014 branches. The same 20 tyre retailers had 1980 branches between them in 2018/2019. And what’s more, the reorganisation of one retailer alone accounted for a 40-centre decline in branch count, with the overall figure remaining positive due to growth at other chains. Here Tyres & Accessories analyses the branch count data in the context of 10 years of comparable research.
February LCV sales rise 1.8 per cent
This year to date, 36,620 new LCVs have been registered, representing a rise of 5.8 per cent on the first two months of 2018.
SMMT figures ‘extremely worrying’ says KPMG
Justin Benson, head of automotive at KPMG UK, comments on the latest SMMT car manufacturing figures, which saw a 9.1 per cent fall in 2018.
UK CV manufacturing 8.5% up in 2018
British commercial vehicle manufacturing grew 8.5 per cent in 2018, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has revealed. The increase in output, with 84,888 units leaving production lines, follows weaker performances in 2016 and 2017. The SMMT added that strong market incentives ahead of model changes also played a part in boosting output.