The UK car market is celebrating record sales results as July gets underway, with more cars sold over the past six months than in any other similar period. 1,376,889 cars have been registered in the UK since January, representing a rise of 7% over the same time last year.
In addition, June was recorded as the 40th consecutive month for increased sales, seeing 257,817 sales – a rise of 12.9% over June 2014.
Industry experts are putting the buoyant figures down to high levels of registrations in the fleet sector, although this has been boosted by strong private sales too, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Among the top performers of the first half of 2015 are a number of alternatively fuelled vehicles, such as electric cars and plug-in hybrids.
The best selling make and model of car in June in the UK was the Ford Fiesta; a perennial favourite representing excellent quality and value for money. Vauxhall performed well with sales of its Corsa and Ford Focus was also a popular choice. Completing the ‘top five’ are Volkswagen’s Golf and Nissan’s Qashqai, which have both sold consistently well since the start of the year.
Growth is expected to slow down for the rest of 2015 following seasonal trends, returning back to the market’s normal rate. However, low interest rates, attractive financial packages and the launch of several new models will keep sales ticking over.
According to Mike Hawes, Chief Executive of the SMMT, “It is still a great time to buy a new car in the UK, and it is encouraging to see more consumers choosing British models. This is important for the wider economy, with 799,000 people now employed across the UK automotive sector, including retail.”
The record figures follow similar success reported in January, when new car sales figures hit their highest point in ten years. Excellent signs of continued confidence in the UK’s economic recovery as people look to upgrade their vehicles.
Emma Ward
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