“It is extremely positive to see that the car market in January has continued its upward trend – making it the best month for new car registrations since 2005”, said Sue Robinson, Director of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) which represents franchised car and commercial vehicle retailers across the UK, commenting on the SMMT’s new car registration figures.
New car sales figures, released today, are up 9% to 169,678 units, and up 2.9% on the same month in 2015. Private registrations have risen 2% - the highest level since 2004 with Alternative Fuel Vehicle sales increasing by 1%.
Sue Robinson continued, “Increased retail demand continued to drive UK car sales in the first month in January.
“Consumer confidence continued to grow as the economy becomes more robust, and retail customers feel secure enough to commit to buying cars. This is helped by the competitive offers made available by the manufacturer and a more disposable income due to higher levels of employment.
“On the back of this we predict that the franchise sector will create 15,000 new jobs in 2016 following all the new and nearly new cars being serviced.
“We expect the market to continue to perform well and to build on the success of 2015.”
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS:
Rupal Rawal, Press Officer Tel: 020 7307 3412 Mob: 07528 977 157 Press Office direct line: 020 7307 3422 Press Office fax: 020 7307 3406 Web: www.rmif.co.uk Email: rupal.rawal@rmif.co.uk
The Retail Motor Industry represents the interests of operators in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man providing sales and services to motorists and businesses. The RMI has a formal association with the independent Scottish Motor Trade Association which represents the retail motor industry in Scotland.
