“It is encouraging to see that the UK market remained strong in October with a growth rate which was in the top three amongst the largest European car markets”, said Sue Robinson, Director of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), which represents franchised car and commercial vehicle retailers across the UK, commenting on figures published by the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA).
In October, European passenger car registrations stabilised (-0.02%), with a total of 1,104,506 units. Italy (+9.7%), Spain (+4.0%) and the United Kingdom (+1.4%) rose, whereas figures were down in Germany (-5.6%) and France (-4.0%) compared with last year.
Robinson continued, “Positively, in the first ten months of the year all major EU markets have grown by 7.2% with a total of over 12 million units*.
“The UK has also seen one of most substantial increases in Alternative Fuel Vehicles registrations in the EU. In the third quarter of 2016, the UK saw a massive growth of 30.5%, which followed Spain (+44.8%) and Germany (+33.9%).
“Despite challenges over the last few months, the UK has been continuously performing well and October’s results confirmed this trend. We expect the market to remain stable until at least the end of the year.”
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS: *A total of 12,348,502 units were registered
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.