“While it is positive that new car sales were up in October, this was due to the strength of the fleet sector. Private registrations were in fact down 4.3% on October 2010.” said Sue Robinson, Director of the RMI 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, show month on month sales were up 2.6% compared to October last year. Year to date sales are down 4.5% on a year ago. While fleet volumes were up 4.4% year to date, private registrations were down 14% year to date.
Sue Robinson continued “The economy remains very fragile with external factors such as the European debt crisis affecting its stability. Although last week’s news that GDP was up 0.5% gives encouragement, consumer confidence remains low. The Chancellor needs to address the lack of consumer confidence in his autumn statement on the 29 November by reviewing initiatives that could boost spending.”
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS: Keely Scanlan, Press Officer Tel: 020 7307 3410 Mob: 07825097697 Press Office direct line: 020 7307 3422 Press Office fax: 020 7307 3406 Web: www.rmif.co.uk Email: keely.scanlan@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.