FEBRUARY FIGURES - SMMT releases data for UK new car sales.

• February new car registrations rise 3.0% to 68,736 units.
• UK new car market achieves 24 consecutive months of growth, increasing 17.4% over the period.
• Rising GDP and growing car registrations signal increasing consumer confidence.
• Automotive retailers look forward to March results as expectations rise for strong 14-plate performance.

"The 3% rise in February new car registrations marks two full years of continuous month-on-month growth; a real endorsement of consumer confidence and the attractiveness of the new car market," said Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive. "While February is typically a quieter month ahead of the March registration plate change, we expect the arrival of the new 14-plate and increasing economic confidence to maintain a steady rate of growth."

New car registrations (rolling-year total by quarter) and GDP growth (year-on-year quarterly): Q1 2011 to Q4 2013 

Note: GDP is real GDP chained volume measure

About SMMT and UK the automotive industry

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) is one of the largest and most influential trade associations in the UK. It supports the interests of the UK automotive industry at home and abroad, promoting a united position to government, stakeholders and the media. 

The automotive industry is a vital part of the UK economy accounting for £59 billion turnover and £12 billion value added. With more than 700,000 jobs dependent on the industry, it accounts for 10% of total UK exports and invests £1.7 billion each year in automotive R&D. The industry plays an important role in the UK’s trade balance, with vehicle manufacturers exporting around 80% of production. More than 30 manufacturersbuild in excess of 70 models of vehicle in the UK supported by around 2,500 component providers and some of the world's most skilled engineers.

Broadcasters: SMMT has an ISDN studio and access to expert spokespeople, case studies and regional representatives.

February			Total		Diesel		Petrol		AFV	Private		Fleet		Business
2014			68,736		33,094		34,430		1,212	29,887		37,029		1,820
2013			66,749		32,327		33,588		834	29,277		35,759		1,713
% change			3.0%		2.4%		2.5%		45.3%	2.1%		3.6%		6.2%
Mkt share '14					48.1%		50.1%		1.8%	43.5%		53.9%		2.6%
Mkt share '13					48.4%		50.3%		1.2%	43.9%		53.6%		2.6%
Year-to-date			Total		Diesel		Petrol		AFV	Private		Fleet		Business
2014			223,298		112,553		106,674		4,071	101,298		112,238		9,762
2013			210,392		105,166		102,105		3,121	90,338		110,976		9,078
% change			6.1%		7.0%		4.5%		30.4%	12.1%		1.1%		7.5%
Mkt share '14					50.4%		47.8%		1.8%	45.4%		50.3%		4.4%
Mkt share '13					50.0%		48.5%		1.5%	42.9%		52.7%		4.3%
Best sellers		February									Year-to-date
	1	Ford Fiesta				4,415			1		Ford Fiesta		13,487
	2	Vauxhall Corsa				3,138			2		Ford Focus		7,899
	3	Vauxhall Astra				2,707			3		Vauxhall Corsa		7,608
	4	Ford Focus				2,566			4		Vauxhall Astra		6,106
	5	VW Golf				1,628			5		VW Golf		6,018
	6	VW Polo				1,450			6		VW Polo		5,325
	7	Mercedes-Benz C-Class				1,231			7		Audi A3		4,278
	8	Vauxhall Insignia				1,164			8		Nissan Qashqai		4,079
	9	Audi A3				1,148			9		Nissan Juke		3,733
	10	BMW 3 Series				1,085			10		Fiat 500		3,549

Percentage change in new car registrations by segment, February 2012 to February 2014(rolling year)

 

• The new car market grew 17.4% between February 2012 (1.94 million registrations) and February 2014 (2.28 million)*.
• While the Supermini segment recorded solid growth over the period, volumes in the Mini segment almost doubled, helped by the introduction of new models. The small car market has been supported by motorists looking to reduce running costs, as well as increased diversification of products and advances in levels of comfort and safety.
• Dual Purpose vehicles (now the third largest segment) and MPVs recorded above-average growth over the past two years with space, style and versatility attracting consumers.
• *Volumes relate to rolling year.