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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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23 January 2015
UK Car Production Highest Since 2007
UK car manufacturers produced 1,528,148 vehicles last year, the highest number since 2007. In December, 108,721 cars were produced, a rise of 27.1% compared to December 2013. Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: "Placed in context, a 1.2% growth in UK car manufacturing in 2014 represents a very successful year.
UK Car Production Highest Since 2007
UK car manufacturers produced 1,528,148 vehicles last year, the highest number since 2007. In December, 108,721 cars were produced, a rise of 27.1% compared to December 2013. Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: "Placed in context, a 1.2% growth in UK car manufacturing in 2014 represents a very successful year.
17 January 2013
Car Exports Hit Record High With 8% Increase
Despite a European slump in sales, UK car production has hit a four-year high, with exports reaching a record high. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) have said that UK factories built some 1.46 million vehicles in 2012, 1.21 million of which were then shipped abroad.
Car Exports Hit Record High With 8% Increase
Despite a European slump in sales, UK car production has hit a four-year high, with exports reaching a record high. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) have said that UK factories built some 1.46 million vehicles in 2012, 1.21 million of which were then shipped abroad.
19 June 2009
UK Car Production Drops From 43% In May
The number of cars produced in Britain in May 2009 was 43% lower than in the same month last year, new figures released today have shown. However, it was the smallest fall of the year so far, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said. A total of 67,754 cars were made in the UK in May 2009.
UK Car Production Drops From 43% In May
The number of cars produced in Britain in May 2009 was 43% lower than in the same month last year, new figures released today have shown. However, it was the smallest fall of the year so far, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said. A total of 67,754 cars were made in the UK in May 2009.
06 October 2008
New Car Registration Down 21% Last Month
The number of new car registrations fell by more than a fifth last month, compared to last year - further proof the ongoing credit crunch is impacting buyers' behaviour. Figures released today, by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), show a 21.2% fall in new car registrations last month. In total 330,295 new cars were sold.
New Car Registration Down 21% Last Month
The number of new car registrations fell by more than a fifth last month, compared to last year - further proof the ongoing credit crunch is impacting buyers' behaviour. Figures released today, by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), show a 21.2% fall in new car registrations last month. In total 330,295 new cars were sold.
07 January 2004
UK car sales break records
New car sales in Britain nudged a record 2.6 million in 2003, but it looks like this year may be more difficult as sales volumes are falling across Europe, say the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. The new record is 0.6% up on the 2002 figure which was largely fuelled by the low interest rate.
UK car sales break records
New car sales in Britain nudged a record 2.6 million in 2003, but it looks like this year may be more difficult as sales volumes are falling across Europe, say the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. The new record is 0.6% up on the 2002 figure which was largely fuelled by the low interest rate.
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