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07/01/2014
Record High For UK Car Sales
Car sales in the UK for 2013 reached its highest level since 2007, according to new industry figures.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said the surge was assisted by cheap credit deals and a strengthening of consumer confidence.
Some 2.26 million vehicles were registered last year, it added, which is a 10.8% rise on 2012. The figure is, however, still 6% lower than 2007's 2.4 million registrations.
The statistics mean that the UK is now Europe's second-largest car market, after Germany.
Mike Hawes, Chief Executive at SMMT, said: "With its best year since a pre-recession 2007, the UK new car market has helped stimulate the country's economic recovery.
"While the European market is only now showing signs of improvement, the UK has consistently outperformed the rest of Europe, with 22 consecutive months of growth.
"The 10.8% increase in 2013 reflects the attractive financial offers available, as well as increased demand for more technologically advanced new cars. We expect new car registrations to remain stable in 2014 as customers return to a more regular replacement cycle."
Elsewhere, the SMMT figures confirmed that Ford was the UK's top-selling brand last year; it was followed by General Motors' Vauxhall Corsa and Astra models.
The SMMT also said that one-in-seven, or 300,000, of the cars purchased last year were built in the UK. Most cars built in the UK tend to be exported.
(JP)
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said the surge was assisted by cheap credit deals and a strengthening of consumer confidence.
Some 2.26 million vehicles were registered last year, it added, which is a 10.8% rise on 2012. The figure is, however, still 6% lower than 2007's 2.4 million registrations.
The statistics mean that the UK is now Europe's second-largest car market, after Germany.
Mike Hawes, Chief Executive at SMMT, said: "With its best year since a pre-recession 2007, the UK new car market has helped stimulate the country's economic recovery.
"While the European market is only now showing signs of improvement, the UK has consistently outperformed the rest of Europe, with 22 consecutive months of growth.
"The 10.8% increase in 2013 reflects the attractive financial offers available, as well as increased demand for more technologically advanced new cars. We expect new car registrations to remain stable in 2014 as customers return to a more regular replacement cycle."
Elsewhere, the SMMT figures confirmed that Ford was the UK's top-selling brand last year; it was followed by General Motors' Vauxhall Corsa and Astra models.
The SMMT also said that one-in-seven, or 300,000, of the cars purchased last year were built in the UK. Most cars built in the UK tend to be exported.
(JP)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
