Car sales Highest since 2008

Mallotum_X

New car sales hit the highest level in September for five and a half years as the latest 63-plate attracted buyers.

The Society for Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said 403,136 new cars were registered, a rise of 12.1% on 2012.

That is still below the average for September before the credit crisis of 416,000.

September sales are typically strong as it is one of the two months when new registration plates are issued.

One in seven cars are made in the UK.

Ford remains the UK's top selling make of car, with 20,600 of its Fiesta model sold in the month, Vauxhall's Corsa was in second place with 14,500 vehicles sold.

The SMMT's chief executive, Mike Hawes, said: "The UK market is reflecting growing economic confidence."

"Robust private demand has played a major role in this growth, with customers attracted by exciting, increasingly fuel-efficient new models which offer savings in the cost of ownership."

Richard Lowe, an analyst from Barclays said: "Attractive finance packages are offering consumers more clarity on running costs, which even with a more promising economic outlook is an important factor for those on a budget."

But he added that the UK car market was likely to remain strong: "As we head into the quieter months, I suspect we'll see sales hold firm, keeping the UK market zooming ahead of our European counterparts."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-24396562

Loughton_Monkey

How about resurrecting the scrappage scheme? Under the guise of a £1,000 hand-out, it allows fat-cat motor traders to reduce all their discounts and make much higher profits. And what do higher profits make? More taxes. Good for GDP too.

Let's get a bubble in car prices.

MrRee_2

I'm adding to this ... I collect my new car this afternoon!

The final push was the notice that one of my accounts will now be paying 1% Gross ..... 45% Tax off that and it's just pathetic.

So, if I'm going to lose money - let's do it in style ....... wind in the hair motoring .......

chewmylegoff

I love stuff like this. X is the best since 2008. 2008 was a good year, lots of great news. Nothing bad happened that year...

System

Well it must have been better than 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 for car sales I guess.

Loughton_Monkey

chewmylegoff wrote: »

I love stuff like this. X is the best since 2008. 2008 was a good year, lots of great news. Nothing bad happened that year...

Better than saying 'Best year since records began', only to find they started collecting records 3 years ago.

You have to get the headline. If it is very hot, then you want "hottest Summer on record". If not true, then revert to Hottest July on record. Still not true? Then Hottest May Bank Holiday Monday since... Still no joy? Then turn to an ice cream salesman to try and get similar statistics for ice cream sales.

If all else fails, "Phew! what a scorcher".

Graham_Devon

Anyone know what's happening to the Royal Mail fleet? They seem to be going round on 05 and 06 plates still. Looking a bit shabby now considering the abuse their vans are put through!

Going to be a big old order there when that finally happens. However, this situation may well be very local to myself.

In terms of the thread, we should be seeing increased car sales, as many companies moved from 3 to 5 year contracts, which are all expiring around this year.

custardy

Graham_Devon wrote: »

Anyone know what's happening to the Royal Mail fleet? They seem to be going round on 05 and 06 plates still. Looking a bit shabby now considering the abuse their vans are put through!

Going to be a big old order there when that finally happens. However, this situation may well be very local to myself.

In terms of the thread, we should be seeing increased car sales, as many companies moved from 3 to 5 year contracts, which are all expiring around this year.

Dont know where you are looking
all new smaller vans here and most of Edinburgh
some on banger LDVs,but they are in the minority now
I believe RM are looking to move towards leasing

Uxb

Porbably the great unwashed spunking it all on a car having received a PPI claim payout.
If so then it should be interesting when the PPI merrygoround ceases.

Loughton_Monkey

Graham_Devon wrote: »

Anyone know what's happening to the Royal Mail fleet? They seem to be going round on 05 and 06 plates still. Looking a bit shabby now considering the abuse their vans are put through!

Going to be a big old order there when that finally happens. However, this situation may well be very local to myself.

In terms of the thread, we should be seeing increased car sales, as many companies moved from 3 to 5 year contracts, which are all expiring around this year.

It is well known that Postman Pat has personalised plates "PAT 1" and "PAT 2".

http://www.postmanpat.com/

Once privatised, I hope these are sold for their full value (£55,000 each approx if "1 PAT" is anything to go by) and the money returned to shareholders.

custardy

Loughton_Monkey wrote: »

It is well known that Postman Pat has personalised plates "PAT 1" and "PAT 2".

http://www.postmanpat.com/

Once privatised, I hope these are sold for their full value (£55,000 each approx if "1 PAT" is anything to go by) and the money returned to shareholders.

Its also well known that Paty already works for a rival company