Comment: BVRLA react to SMMT new car registration figures
BVRLA chief executive, John Lewis, has reacted to the SMMT New Car Registration figures for 2009 that were published today.
“2009 saw a real slump in the business car market, which saw its share of new car registrations fall below 50% for the first time in 16 years as companies put off their buying decisions and chose to run their existing fleets for longer before replacing them.
“These vehicles will need to be replaced soon and with an economic recovery underway and firms beginning to recruit again, we expect fleet car sales to pass the million mark in 2010, providing a vital shot in the arm for manufacturers.
“Without the taxpayer-funded scrappage scheme to support them, retail sales are set to slump dramatically this year so it is not surprising that carmakers are already launching a charm offensive on their fleet customers in an attempt to regain share in the vital business market.”
Carmakers are predicting a tough 2010 without the scrappage scheme to boost sales. They will be relying on fleet buyers to pick up some of the slack. Any rebound in business sales will be especially welcome as these vehicles tend to be higher-spec, more executive models that are more profitable for manufacturers.
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