Fleet sales support October’s new registrations for 2.6% rise
Sales of new cars are up for the second time this year.
Figures from the SMMT suggest that September’s plate change remained a catalyst in new registrations, helping achieve an overall increase of 2.6% on last October’s performance.
A 7.9% increase in fleet sales balanced out a disappointing outcome for the private sector (-4.3% on last October). Business sales also held their own with a 2.4% improvement on 2010’s October (87,866 units).
SMMT Chief Executive Paul Everitt deemed it “a positive result despite the uncertain economic climate” but warned that the year ahead could be tough.
He explained: “Vehicle manufacturers and their dealer networks are working hard to offer consumers value for money through improved fuel efficiency, low running costs and innovative finance.
“We expect market conditions to remain challenging and hope the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement later this month will help to boost economic growth and consumer confidence.”
The running total for fleet registrations this year are up by 4.4% with 876,640 units shifted.
Year to date figures for private sales aren’t so rosy, sitting at 723,532, 14% less than this time last year.
The Ford Fiesta was yet again October’s most popular model, outselling its nearest competitor (Vauxhall’s Corsa) by 1,008 units. The Fiesta is also dead cert to be the year’s biggest seller the end of December with 84,506 units, over 11,000 more than any other model.
Watch the clip below to learn Paul Everitt’s thoughts on October’s new registrations:
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