Market Info
Decennial shift in global PCLT tyre volume market share
The latest global tyre market share figures from tyre industry analyst Astutus Research show how long-established, leading players headquartered in Japan, Europe, and North America have seen their volume share diminish, while Chinese, ASEAN, and selected other markets’ tyre manufacturers’ share has risen. The analyst states that in aggregate, the ten leading PCLT tyre manufacturers based in Japan, Europe and North America (J-E-NA) have lost almost 6 percentage points of market share since the end of 2011 (OE and replacement segments combined, volumes in tyre units). In part this reflects a strategic choice of some to focus on the higher value premium segments of the market.
UK commercial vehicle production stable in October – SMMT
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reports that UK commercial vehicle (CV) production was down -0.2 per cent in October, with 9,065 units manufactured. Output destined for some crucial overseas markets was up 9.3 per cent, though production for the domestic market fell -8.5 per cent with demand weakening.
Used car market rebounds
The used car market rose by 0.9 per cent in the third quarter of 2019 with 2,076,382 vehicles changing hands, 18,925 more than the same period in 2018. Plug-in electric and hybrid models showed a solid increase of 13.0 per cent. Demand for diesel grew by 1.4 per cent, petrol sales saw a slight decline of -0.2 per cent.
Motorcycle registrations remain stable in October
Commenting on the latest figures released by the Motor Cycle Industry Association, Stephen Latham, head of the National Motorcycle Dealers Association (NMDA) which represents motorcycle retailers across the UK, said: “Motorcycle registrations remained stable with just a small -1.8 per cent sales decrease in October, as both economic and political uncertainty continued to affect demand for bikes.”
Van market falls in October but new models help offset market weakness
UK new light commercial vehicle (LCV) registrations fell -11.0 per cent in October, the second consecutive monthly decline, according to the latest SMMT figures. Some 3,121 fewer models were registered in the month, as uncertainty and regulatory changes continued to affect the market.
Decline in car sales continues in October
UK new car registrations declined -6.7 per cent last month, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). 10,348 fewer cars were registered than in October last year, reflecting a tough environment for businesses and consumers as economic and political uncertainty continued to impact confidence.
Maritime Cargo Services reveals market conditions affecting freight rates
Shipping plays a vital part in the world of tyre wholesaling. Managing the volatility of freight rates with efficient and transparent service is paramount in maintaining the competitiveness of distribution operations. Maritime Cargo Services, a freight forwarder with significant ties to the UK tyre industry, tells Tyres & Accessoires about the factors affecting the global shipping industry, and how its fluctuations, illustrated by this chart, which shows at a glance the trends of the last 12 months, must be managed effectively to allow tyre wholesalers to operate efficiently.
Third of UK adults say we will never switch to driverless cars – IMechE survey
Nearly a third of UK adults think we will never switch to having only driverless cars on the roads while 60 per cent of people say they would always prefer to drive themselves rather than use a self-driving vehicle, according to a new opinion poll from the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.
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.