The new car market registered a modest decline in November as sales of new diesels continued to suffer, according to data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.
Diesel vehicles now make up less than a third of the new car market at 31.8% year-to-date, with November's figures down 16.7% on the same period last year. A 3.5% increase in petrol car sales and a substantial 24.6% rise in that of alternative fuel vehicles failed to offset diesel's decline.
A total of 158,639 cars were registered last month, down 3% on the same period last year. The figures are described by the SMMT as "in line with industry expectations given current challenging conditions".
Chairman Mike Hawes said: “Model and regulatory changes, combined with falling consumer confidence, conspired to affect supply and demand in November. The good news is that, as supply constraints ease, and new exciting models come on sale in the months ahead, buyers can look forward to a wide choice of cutting-edge petrol, diesel and electrified cars."
Hawes went on to reiterate the importance of Theresa May's government securing a Brexit deal to stimulate growth in the market as we move into 2019.
Ford again topped the car model charts in November with 5193 Ford Fiestas registered, while the Volkswagen Golf took second place with 4678 examples registered for use on Britain's roads. The above chart shows the top ten in November and this year to date.
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Mercedes has the bling factor
Amazing that Mercedes is number 3 with the A-class. All mercs have now got the "bling" factor that Ford & Vauxhall used to have in the last decade, plus their TV commercials are so main stream & make their cars so desirable. Look at their interiors, what "gamer" generation can't resist that full LED display & digital rendered instruments??
Mini
Why do Mini sales just show as Mini and not by model?
Does that mean a Countyman gets included along with a 3 door hatch?
New Models
why not trim down and make a more focused line up of models.
Craig1988 wrote:
Remove one model which people may have bought, some of the clients will choose some of your other models, but most will choose a similar product from a different brand. Most people choose their car based on features and value, not brand (at least that's what I do).