Thread: UK new car sales at four year high

Official figures reveal 2,044,609 registrations in 2012 – the highest since 2008. New car registrations have risen to their highest level since 2008, with a total of 2,044,609 vehicles sold – a 5. 3 per cent increase on last year, according to figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.
The growth has been stimulated by strong private consumer demand (up 12. 9 per cent) for innovative, fuel-efficient cars.
SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt said: Whereas some people would buy a car every two or three years, people have been holding onto them for five or six. In that time since they last bought a car, running costs have improved significantly so people are seeing the benefits of getting a new car again.
Total sales were still some 14. 9 per cent lower than the 2007 pre-recession figure of 2. 4 million units.
The rise in demand is good news for manufacturers. Jaguar Land Rover has reported a record year, with nearly 55,000 cars sold in the UK.
Ford, too, has performed well, with the Fiesta retaining its position as the UKs best-selling car for a third year running.
The new year is set to be a challenging year for sales: We have a cautious view on 2013 due to the continued drag on the eurozone and a subdued economic outlook, but if things go well we should see sales marginally up again, said Mr. Everitt.
Best sellers of 2012:
1. Ford Fiesta 109,265
2. Vauxhall Corsa 89,434
3. Ford Focus 83,115
4. Vauxhall Astra 63,023
5. Volkswagen Golf 62,021
6. Nissan Qashqai 45,675
7. BMW 3-series 44,521
8. Volkswagen Polo 41,901
9. Mercedes C-class 37,261
10. BMW 1-series 34,488