12/06/2002

Record month for new car sales in UK

The latest figures for new car sales in the UK have shown that in May sales increased for the twentieth consecutive month in the new car market.

Despite a general fall-off in new car sales across Europe by 2.6% from January to April, UK dealers saw 208,669 registrations beating the previous record May of 199,258 vehicles, set in 1989.

This figure represents a month-on-month growth of 5.1% and saw registrations rise to 1,140,363 units over the first five months of this year – an 8.2% increase on the same period in the preceding year.

Commenting on May figures, Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) Chief Executive, Christopher Macgowan said: "'Strong growth in the private sector, is a clear sign of consumer confidence and generous finance packages combined with lower prices continue to make cars more affordable and better value. Although the level of growth we've seen over the past 20 months cannot last forever, this year is still well on course to be another strong one for new car sales, with registrations expected to top 2.4 million units."

Registrations to private buyers in the UK rose 13.4 per cent in May to 104,599 units as the market continues to defy expectations of a slowdown as new models and low cost finance packages attract buyers.

According to the SMMT, business demand edged forward in May, while large fleet volumes cooled. However, over the first five months of the year growth across all segments remains impressive.

The main volume of growth in May came from the supermini and smaller medium family cars with the exception of the Mondeo nine models in the top ten were from these two segments.

The Ford Focus has continued to top the monthly best sellers' list for the twenty-fifth successive month.

However, MPV, 4x4 and luxury saloon sectors all reported improved performance in May.

(SP)

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