- David Hort
September sales figures fall but exceed expectations
UK car registrations have returned to form, dropping 0.8 per cent in September when compared to the same month in 2010, according to new data.
In August, the industry received a welcome boost when new car registrations increased by 7.3 per cent over August 2010. It was the first time in 13 months that year-on-year registrations grew with 59,346 units sold, however the change seems to be a one-off.
Last month, 332,476 new cars were registered in the UK in the crucial ‘new plate’ period which was less than one per cent down on 2010 figures and also the second largest single moth of the year so far, after March and its 366,101 new car registrations.
That exceeded expectations for the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) who singled out September as a crucial month for the industry.
“August represents a relatively small share of the new car market and the September new 61-plate registrations will be far more important for vehicle manufacturers and franchised dealers," said Paul Everitt, SMMT Chief Executive.
September new car registrations accounted for 17 per cent of all registrations in 2010 and this year, September represents less than 17 per cent of yearly registrations so far – reflecting the 0.8 per cent drop.
September’s new car registrations represent something of an achievement for the UK market, with SMMT noting that the month has ‘outperformed expectations’; however it also outlined the difficulties facing the industry during the current economic climate.
Overall 2011 market figures are still expected to struggle and fall below 2010 figures, come the 31 December, with 1.92million new car registrations. And the problems look set to carry over into 2012.
“SMMT has revised down its 2012 registrations forecast to 1.96 million units; a reflection of the continued weakness in UK domestic demand and the uncertainty across European economies," said Everett.
“It is important government acts to sustain an investment-led recovery and implements measures to encourage more private sector investment in R&D, skills, new plants and machinery."
Sectors
Private new car registrations fell by 9.3 per cent in September, as did its market share which dropped by a little over four per cent when compared to 2010 figures. For the year so far, that means private new car registrations have dropped by 14.7 per cent and its market share has also been hit by a 4.9 per cent fall.
Fleet registrations improved in light of private registration failings, claiming a 7.9 per cent rise in September and a 47.1 per cent market share – up 3.5 per cent on September 2010.
Its improvement is also reflected in year-to-date figures, claiming a 51.7 per cent market share after a 4.1 per cent improvement on 2010.
Segments
Small cars continue to dominate the UK new car market with seven of September’s best selling models coming from the B or C segment.
Superminis accounted for 37.8 per cent of all new car registrations in the UK – a rise of 0.5 per cent on August figures – with the Ford Fiesta leading the way with 15,647 registrations.
According to the SMMT, growth was more apparent in the lower medium, executive, luxury and dual purpose segments throughout the month, however that growth had little impact on yearly figures, with the top ten best sellers for 2011 carrying the same ten cars as September.
Fuel types
Average CO2 emissions of new cars registered between January and September have dropped by almost 25 per cent when compared to 2000 with the SMMT pointing to diesel and alt-fuel growth as major factors in that change.
Diesel cars now account for 49.9 per cent of new car registrations in 2011 rising 6.1 per cent for the month. Alt-fuel cars also improved their market share, after a 9.1 per cent increase in volumes, to 1.3 per cent.
Manufacturers – winners and losers
Ford with 43,350, Vauxhall with 37,472 and Volkswagen with 29,250 units, all sold more vehicles than any other manufacturer in September, however only Volkswagen showed any improvement for the month.
The German marque sold 18.42 per cent more vehicles than in the same period in 2010, enough to gain a 3.8 per cent improvement for the year-to-date.
Vauxhall lost 11.28 per cent of sales in September, whilst Ford’s sales were cut by 6.55 per cent.
Alfa Romeo continues its strong sales figures with a 25 per cent rise on registrations in 2010, enough for a year-to-date improvement of around 55 per cent.
Lexus, Mini and Skoda also fared well in September, helping the manufacturers improve their year-to-date sales by 15.7, 16.23 and 11.59 per cent, respectively.
Porsche showed most improvement in September with a 52.59 per cent improvement in September however that wasn’t enough to improve its year-to-date figures with 2011 representing a 7.51 per cent drop in registrations.