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Welsh dealers see 4pc slip in new car sales last month
publication date: Feb 7, 2012
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author/source: Robin Roberts
New car registrations rose 0.03%
to 128,853 units in January with diesel and alternatively-fuelled cars
increased volumes, up 6.3% and 17.7% respectively, according to figures
from the SMMT.
The new car market is expected to
remain stable in 2012, dipping just 1% to 1.92 million units in 2012, before recovering
in 2013.
"The January new car market held
firm with 128,853 registrations, marginally up on January 2011, a welcome sign
of stability in uncertain economic times," said Paul Everitt, SMMT Chief
Executive.
"2012 is set to be an exciting
year with record numbers of new models coming to market filled with innovative
technology that will save the motorist fuel, enhance comfort and further
increase levels of safety and security. However, to maintain market stability,
government must act decisively and deliver much needed confidence to businesses
and consumers."
January's performance was boosted by the private
market, up 2.7% on January 2011 and further growth in the fleet sector.
Demand for diesel cars continues to rise and its
market share moved from 50.5% a year ago to 53.7%, as motorists look to ensure
increased fuel efficiency. Registrations of alternatively fuelled vehicles rose
by 17.7% in the month and accounted for 1.6% of the market, mirroring the
record levels confirmed in November and December 2011, on the back of new
products entering the market.
The Ford Fiesta was the best selling model in
January 2012. Four of the top sellers were Superminis and the segment showed
the largest rise in volumes during January. Growth in demand for Luxury, Dual
Purpose, Executive and Sports segments is also evident.
SMMT revised down its
full year forecast of the new car market in 2012 to 1.92 million units, a 1.1%
drop on the 1.94 million unit outturn in 2011. The economic outlook remains
weak and continues to make the new car market challenging.
Welsh dealers registered over 4,100 new cars for their customers last month, a slip of 4.33pc compared to the same month in 2011. | |
Top 10 New Car Registrations in Wales January 2012
| | 1 FORD FIESTA 350 | 6 VAUXHALL ASTRA 92 | | 2 FORD FOCUS 187 | 7 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF 89
| | 3 VAUXHALL CORSA 132 | 8 NISSAN QASHQAI 81
| 4 VOLKSWAGEN POLO 110
| 9 HYUNDAI I10 73
| | 5 TOYOTA AYGO 94 | 10 CITROEN C3 65
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