“With the current climate of uncertainty continuing to affect businesses and consumers, the decline in new car sales shows”, said Sue Robinson, Director of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) which represents franchised car and commercial vehicle retailers in the UK commenting on the latest new passenger car registrations by the SMMT’s new passenger car registration figures.
The new car market declined by -6.7% in October with 143,251 units registered. Year to date, the market is -2.9 down from last year. Sales of pure electric cars rose 151.8% , petrol was down -3.2% and diesel declined -28.3%.
Robinson added, “It is encouraging to see demand for pure electric vehicles expand despite challenges. Not only electric vehicles but also the latest petrol and diesel cars are facing supply constraints which will improve as we approach 2020.
“Franchised retailers are making significant investments in their online strategy as well as their dealerships to ensure a platform for future growth and offset consumer uncertainty.
“We expect a relatively quiet last quarter of the year with a solid used car sector continuing to help counterbalance the decline in new car sales”.
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
Rupal Rawal, RMI 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.
