The UK new car market grew by 9.5 per cent in November to reach 156,525 units, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). In the market’s best November for four years, registrations almost returned to pre-pandemic levels, down just 96 units (-0.1 per cent) on 2019.
The UK National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), has announced the results of its Consumer Attitude Survey 2023. The NFDA represents franchised car and commercial vehicle retailers across the UK, and the results are representative of the population in relation to UK adults aged 18+. The main objectives of the survey were to explore current consumer perceptions of franchised dealers and their competitors as well as understand consumer behaviour.
The NFDA Dealer Attitude Survey was conducted in September 2023 and asked franchised dealers questions about the on-going business relationship with their respective manufacturers. The survey attracted 2,531 responses from 32 franchised networks, equating to a joint record response rate of 68 per cent. The survey showed a general downward trend across most questions with 47 out of 55 questions showing a decline versus the winter edition. The results were published on Monday 9 October 2023. “NFDA’s Dealer Attitude Survey is a comprehensive analysis that delves into the perspectives, insights, and sentiments of the working relationship between franchised dealerships and their respective manufacturers across the UK. This is a landmark edition as we have welcomed our new data-analyst partners, Metryx, to reshape and redesign how the sector can interact and dissect the data, offering a fresh new look for easy access and analysis,” said Sue Robinson, chief executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) which represents franchised car and commercial retailers across the UK.
‘Furore’, ‘about turn’, ‘climb down’ – all of these expressions have been levelled at the UK Government on release of the news that the much-vaunted and well-publicised deadline for the ban on sales of new petrol and diesel internal combustion engine, (or ICE) vehicles has been put back five years, from 2030 to 2035. On the other hand, the news has also been described as ‘sensible’, ‘pragmatic’ and ‘more transparent’, so which stance is the correct one? And what are the reasons behind the change in attitude, and what are the reactions of the various players in the automotive sector? A press release issued from 10 Downing Street says that: “Under revised plans, the Government will move back the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by five years, so all sales of new cars from 2035 will be zero emission. This will enable families to wait to take advantage of falling prices over the coming decade if they wish to.” Prime Minister Rishi Sunak acknowledged that the going could be tough, saying: “There will be resistance – and we will meet it. Because I am determined to change our country and build a better future for our children. Nothing less is acceptable.” Following a mixed reaction from the NFDA, other automotive industry associations have added their opinions to the move.
On Wednesday, 20 September 2023, the UK government announced that the ban on sales of new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2030 has been pushed back to 2035. The National Franchised Dealers Association surveyed its members on this issue in August 2023; 60 per cent of respondents supported an alignment with the European Union, emphasising a lack of confidence in the Government’s current plan to deliver the necessary support the industry needs in achieving the 2030 deadline.
On Friday 15 September, the NFDA responded to the House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee’s Electric Vehicle Call for Evidence which aims to better understand how the Government will achieve its upcoming 2030 and 2035 deadlines for the phase-out of non-zero emission vehicles and to understand the costs/benefits associated with the 2030 phase-out date.
The UK new light commercial vehicle (LCV) market grew for the eighth consecutive month in August, rising 5.0 per cent to 16,303 units, according to the latest figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), during what is traditionally a smaller volume month ahead of the September plate change.
The new car market grew 24.4 per cent in August with 85,657 new vehicles registered, according to the latest SMMT figures. While August is typically a quieter month with many buyers choosing to wait until the September number plate change, an increase of 16,799 units means the sector is now entering a second year of growth. Despite this improved performance, the market still remains -7.5 per cent below pre-pandemic levels. The increase was fuelled by a surge in registrations by large fleets, rising 58.4 per cent to 51,951 units, while business registrations grew 39.4 per cent to 1,635 units. Conversely, private demand softened by -8.1 per cent, compared with a supply-constrained 2022 market.
With students receiving the results of their A-Level and GCSE courses, the National Franchised Dealers Association is launching a new campaign, #chooseautomotive, aimed at highlighting the rewarding career paths within the automotive sector. Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of the NFDA, said: “Our industry has often been underestimated, yet it offers a wide range of diverse and exciting career avenues that promise a rewarding career path. It’s time we debunk the old misconceptions surrounding our industry. This sector stands as a gateway to fulfilling careers, offering numerous apprenticeships across diverse sectors, ensuring a level playing field for individuals from all backgrounds and genders to cultivate essential skills.”
The new car market grew 28.3 per cent in July with 143,921 new vehicles registered, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). As a result, the market has enjoyed non-stop growth for a full year despite challenging economic conditions, as supply chain challenges ease, production increases and deliveries can be fulfilled.
The new car market grew 25.8 per cent in June with 177,266 vehicles registered, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). The June performance marks the 11th consecutive month of growth as the industry gradually overcomes the pandemic-induced supply chain shortages that constrained production for much of the previous two years. With waiting times easing and pent-up demand being met, the sector is a rare bright spot in a gloomy economic landscape even though overall market volumes remain below pre-pandemic levels.
Commenting on the news that the NFDA Electric Vehicle Approved (EVA) scheme has reached the milestone of 500 accredited dealer sites since its launch in 2019, Sue Robinson chief executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) which represents car and commercial retailers across the UK, said: “It is extremely positive to see that the automotive retailing sector has embraced the EVA scheme.
The National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), which represents franchised car and commercial vehicle retailers in the UK, has conducted its Dealer Attitude Survey twice a year since 1989, to better understand the relationship between car manufacturers and dealers. “Despite growing discussions and developments between franchised dealers and OEMs, around the future of the automotive retailing landscape, the latest Dealer Attitude Survey reveals a positive outlook and that, on average, relationships have improved over the last six months”, said Sue Robinson, chief executive of the NFDA, commenting on the results of the latest Dealer Attitude Survey Winter 2022/2023 published Monday 20 March 2023.
The UK new light commercial vehicle (LCV) market grew for the second consecutive month in February, rising by 8.5 per cent to 17,540 units, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). While February is traditionally a volatile month due to small volumes as many operators delay procurements until March and the new number plate, the increase marks the best February performance since 1998, the year before the bi-annual plate change was introduced.
UK new car registrations grew by 26.2 per cent in February as 74,441 new cars joined Britain’s roads, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). While February is typically low volume ahead of the March plate change, this year it marked the seventh month of consecutive growth as easing supply chain shortages steered the market closer to pre-pandemic levels, down just -6.5 per cent on the same month in 2020.
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