UK New Car Sales Rise 3.3% in August, First Increase in Over a Year
August 2016 witnessed a positive 3.3 per cent growth in new car registrations in the UK, the first increase in over a year. Mike Hawes, head of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), welcomed this small but significant growth, noting that August is typically a quiet month for sales.
Vauxhall models, the Corsa and Astra, contributed to this growth. Ford, the best-selling brand, also performed well with the Fiesta and Focus leading the sales charts. The Fiesta, in particular, was the top-selling car in August. Fleet sales, up by 7.7 per cent, were the driving force behind this growth, while private purchases saw a slight dip of 0.2 per cent. Despite this, consumer confidence remains crucial for maintaining the strong market, as emphasized by Mike Hawes.
The UK car production also rose by 3.3 per cent in August, marking the first increase in over a year. This positive trend, coupled with strong sales figures, signals a healthy automotive industry. Mike Hawes' optimism about the market's future, despite the typically quiet August, reflects this positive outlook.
