“Despite expected stabilisation in July, UK new car registrations remain at levels not seen since 2004 with specific segments of the market, including alternative fuel vehicles continuing to perform well”, said Sue Robinson, Director of 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 market increased slightly up 0.1% with 178,523 units registered. Positively, the total market year-to-date is still up 2.8% with 1,599,159 units. There has been growth in fleet of 4.7% in 2016 and 1.1% in private vehicle registrations.
Robinson continued, “These figures confirm that overall retail sales are going through a stabilisation period following a positive second quarter in which GDP grew by 0.6% with the services sector up 0.5%.
“It is positive to see that alternative fuel vehicles sales remained strong up 24.7% in July, prompted by various benefits including low running costs, lower rates of Vehicle Excise Duty and financial support offered by the Government.
“Many dealers have experienced an improvement on retail demand in July compared to the immediate post Brexit situation. The UK remains a large market for the EU and performance for the year ahead is expected to be in line with market expectations.”
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.