“August is usually a quiet month for the new car market and this is reflected in the decrease in registrations, down -6.4% on the same period in 2016 and -2.4% year to date, in line with forecasts”, said Sue Robinson, Director of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), which represents franchised car and commercial vehicle dealers in the UK, commenting on the latest SMMT’s registration figures.
New car registrations declined -6.4% in August to 76,433 units. Year to date, the market remains stable with a minor decrease of -2.4% on 2016 which equates to 1.64 million cars registered. Sales of Alternative Fuel Vehicles (AFVs) rose by 58.3% in August with a market share of 5.2%. Petrol registrations grew by 3.8% and diesel fell -21.3%.
Robinson continued, “It is notable that Alternative Fuel Vehicles continue to grow market share, up 5.2% in August to over 71,000 units registered year to date amidst the increased volume of diesel scrappage schemes being announced.
“Given the substantial decline in diesel registrations, it is crucial that modern Euro 6 diesel cars are not compared to older diesel vehicles. NFDA and its members are working hard to clarify the facts surrounding the whole diesel issue and helping consumers find the car best suited to their needs.
“We are now looking forward to see what the September plate-change month has in store, although we are anticipating a stable final quarter of the year for franchised dealers.”
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS:
Gabriele Severini, NFDA Communications Officer
Tel: 020 7307 3423
Mob: 07880 039897
Press Office direct line: 020 7307 3422
Press Office fax: 020 7307 3406
Web: www.rmif.co.uk Email: gabriele.severini@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.
