UK SALES JUNE - FORD - The market leader again takes all the main titles as they have for decades.

Ford maintains its sales leadership through the month of June, and for the first half of the year, heading total vehicle, car and commercial vehicle (CV) sales in the UK.

Highlights of the June sales figures issued today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) include:

• Ford leads total UK car sales (Fiesta 2nd and Focus 3rd)
• Transit Custom tops the UK CV sales
• Transit CV range is second in UK total vehicle sales
• Ford has four models in the UK Top 20 – Fiesta (1st), Focus (3rd), Transit Custom (8th) and Kuga (14th)
• Seven Ford models lead their respective segments; Ford Fiesta, Fiesta Van, Transit Courier, Transit Custom, Tourneo Custom, Transit and the Ford Ranger

As the all-new Fiesta arrives in UK showrooms, sales of the outgoing model have now exceeded 1,000,000 since it first went on sale in 2008. The one millionth Fiesta was registered in June to a customer in Birmingham, the UK hot spot for Fiesta sales.

Andy Barratt, Ford of Britain chairman and managing director, said: “It’s an exciting time as we transition into the launch of the all-new Fiesta. Every successive Fiesta model has improved on the one before, and this new Fiesta is our most technologically advanced model yet, with so many features you would only expect to find on a much larger car.  It will also be our most comprehensive Fiesta range, with a line-up that will include the luxurious Fiesta Vignale and Fiesta Active, our first ever Fiesta crossover model.”

The official figures released by the SMMT today show that industry car sales in June were down 4.8 per cent to 243,454 units, compared with June 2016. Ford car sales were 27,095, 4,456 registrations ahead of its nearest rival.  For the year to date (end June) total UK car sales were 140,1811, down 1.3 per cent compared with the same period in 2016.  Ford car sales for this period were 168,316, down 1.7 per cent, 60,289 registrations ahead of its nearest rival.

Ford is also the clear leader in retail car sales, which most accurately reflect the preferences of private buyers.  For June, Ford’s retail car sales share was 11.1 per cent, 2.8 percentage points ahead of its nearest rival, and for the year to date, Ford’s retail car sales share was 12.0 per cent, a lead of 4.4 percentage points.

The Ford Fiesta is the UK’s second best-seller in June, recording 8,601 registrations, 207 sales and less than 0.1 percentage points of share behind of its nearest rival.  With total registrations of 59,380 for the year to date, the Ford Fiesta is the UK best seller by a significant margin – 22,677 sales and 1.7 percentage points of market share ahead of its nearest competitor.

UK light commercial vehicle (LCV) sales in June were up 1.8 per cent at 37,349 compared with June 2016.  Ford LCV sales were up 2.1 per cent at 12,465 registrations, up from 11,186 in the same month in 2016.

For the year to date total UK LCV sales were down 0.2 per cent at 197,411, compared with the same period in 2016.  Total sales of Ford CVs for the year to date were up 3.3 per cent at 62,811 compared with 2016.

Demand for pick-up vehicles grew 14.2 per cent and the Ford Ranger, with segment leadership, recorded sales of 1,175 and 24.6 per cent market share, 104 registrations and 2.2 per cent ahead of its nearest rival.

UK SALES JUNE - MG - The Longbridge based brand bucks the trend showing a growth of 5%

While the UK’s new car market is beginning to feel the effects of a challenging political and economic climate, Longbridge-based MG Motor UK is seeing a five per cent increase in year-to-date sales figures, according to the latest data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) released today, 5 July 2017. 

The SMMT figures highlight that new car sales in the first half of 2017 declined by over one per cent over the past six months. However, MG continues to show strong year-to-date growth, thanks largely to the roll-out of MG3 and MG GS models and the expansion of its dealer network.

With more than 77 dealers now retailing under the MG brand, represented by large and small groups as well as quality independents, the brand is one of the fastest growing in the UK. MG is committed to growing the network even more throughout the rest of 2017 by attracting progressive dealers that are passionate about driving the MG brand value of honestly priced vehicles. With engaged dealers delivering great service, MG Motor UK expects to have close to 90 dealers in place by the end of 2017.

Matthew Cheyne, Head of Sales and Marketing at MG Motor UK, comments: “Our straightforward approach to franchising and low cost of set-up appeals to forward-thinking dealers that want to be part of a dynamic and successful organisation.

“Thanks to the commitment and passion of our dealers, we continue to buck the trend on new car registrations. Well-equipped, well-designed and well-priced, our models are proving an attractive proposition for dealers and customers alike.

“We increased our figures by almost 33% from 2015 to 2016 and are already tracking 5.12% up again this year. We are aiming to push figures even higher this year, thanks to continued penetration of the MG3 and MG GS and the launch of the much-anticipated MG XS.”

UK SALES MAY - FORD - The Blue Oval remains the UK number brand for another year.

Ford drives its sales leadership through the month of May, heading total vehicle, car and commercial vehicle (CV) sales in the UK.

Highlights of the May sales figures issued today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) include:

• Ford Fiesta is the UK best-seller
• Transit Custom and Transit first and second in CV sales
• Transit CV range is second in UK total vehicle sales
• Ford has four models in the UK Top 20 – Fiesta (1st), Focus (4th), Transit Custom (9th) and Kuga (19th)
• Six Ford models lead their respective segments; Ford Fiesta, Fiesta Van, Transit Custom, Tourneo Custom, Transit and the Ford Ranger

Andy Barratt, Ford of Britain chairman and managing director, said: “It’s an exciting time as we continue to build on our successes and prepare to launch the all-new Fiesta. A real testament to the strength of the Fiesta, now in its ninth year as the UK’s favourite car, was its win at the 2017 Honest John Awards. 

Fiesta was awarded best small hatchback, beating four shortlisted competitors all newer than our current Fiesta, which will be replaced this year with our most technologically advanced model yet. Every successive Fiesta model has improved on the one before, and this new Fiesta is simply outstanding.”

Managing editor of HonestJohn.co.uk, Dan Powell said: “All Fiestas are good to drive, practical and powered by Ford's efficient range of petrol and diesel engines. In our opinion, few small hatchbacks come close to matching the everyday usability of the Fiesta.”

The official figures released by the SMMT today show that industry car sales in May were down 8.5 per cent to 186,265 units, compared with May 2016. Ford car sales were 20,514, 4,858 registrations ahead of its nearest rival. For the year to date (end May) total UK car sales were 1,158,357, down 0.6 per cent compared with the same period in 2016. Ford car sales for this period were 141,221, down 0.2 per cent, 49,715 registrations ahead of its nearest rival.

Ford is also the clear leader in retail car sales, which most accurately reflect the preferences of private buyers. For May, Ford’s retail car sales share was 10.8 per cent, 2.7 percentage points ahead of its nearest rival, and for the year to date, Ford’s retail car sales share was 11.9 per cent, a lead of 4.8 percentage points.

The Ford Fiesta is the UK top seller and in May it recorded 7,617 registrations, 2,168 sales and 1.2 percentage points of share ahead of its nearest rival. With total registrations of 50,779 for the year to date, the Ford Fiesta is the UK best seller by a significant margin – 19,017 sales and 1.8 percentage points of market share ahead of its nearest competitor.

UK light commercial vehicle (LCV) sales in May were down 5.3 per cent at 26,982 compared with May 2016. Ford LCV sales were up 2.3% at 9,433 registrations, up from 9,218 in the same month on 2016.

For the year to date total UK LCV sales were down 5.0 per cent at 147,577, compared with the same period in 2016. Total sales of Ford CVs for the year to date were up 1.6 per cent at 59,779 compared with 2016.

Demand for pick-up vehicles grew 26.2 per cent and the Ford Ranger, with segment leadership, recorded sales of 1,169 and 29.9 per cent market share, 445 registrations and 11.4 per cent ahead of its nearest rival.

UK SALES APRIL - KIA - The brand remained strong although it still dropped, but by less than half the market average.

• Kia delivers 6,291 vehicles in April
• Kia in Top Ten brands for month and year
• Market down almost 20 per cent but Kia fall held to 8 per cent 

In a market down by almost 20 per cent during April demand from Kia customers allowed the brand to stay strong – seeing only an eight per cent fall compared to 2016.

With the brand’s popular Picanto model – its second biggest seller – in run-out ahead of the launch of the all-new model on 1 May, demand for Sportage, cee’d and the all-new Rio allowed Kia to deliver 6,291 vehicles to customers during the month – making Kia the ninth best-selling brand in the market.

And with sales for the year reaching 35,996 Kia also held ninth place in the best-selling list to the end of April. Although the April market fell dramatically Kia is still 16 per cent ahead of the 2016 performance for the year to date.

Paul Philpott, President and Chief Executive of Kia Motors (UK) Limited commented: “The vehicle excise duty changes coming into effect at the start of April was always going to have an effect on the month and because our ever-popular Picanto model was in run-out ahead of the all new model launched just this week, we expected our performance to drop off – but I am very pleased that demand for our other excellent vehicles remained strong amongst both retail and business customers.

“Initial response to the all-new Picanto is extremely positive and exciting and I expect our performance to come back strongly in the months ahead – especially as we have two other all-new models to launch this year. I was pleased to see that our year-to-date performance, up 16 per cent, is well ahead of the overall market’s one per cent improvement.

“And I am absolutely delighted that we are ninth in the best seller lists for both April and the year-to-date,” he commented.

UK SALES APRIL - SEAT - The Spanish brand over took more established rivals to enter the top ten uk brands.

• SEAT became the UK’s fastest growing car brand* in April, up 12% compared to the same month in 2016. Barcelona-based brand’s UK car market share also rocketed from 1.85% to 2.58%
• SEAT broke into top ten true fleet manufacturers for first time, overtaking Nissan, Toyota and Vauxhall
• Best is yet to come: All-new Ibiza now available to order ahead of July showroom arrival, plus, new Arona due to be unveiled soon, in advance of late 2017 launch

SEAT’s impressive start to 2017 continues, as it ended April as the UK’s fastest-growing car brand. Against a backdrop of falling car sales, down 19.8%, SEAT bucked the trend with impressive growth of 12%.

After an equally impressive March performance which saw its UK subsidiary become its largest sales market globally for the first time, SEAT surged past several rivals in April with 3,926 registrations, including Honda and MINI, and closed the month within touching distance of both Land Rover and Renault. Overall, its performance represented an increase of 426 units compared to the same month in 2016 (3,500), while its market share rocketed from 1.85% to 2.58%.

At April close, SEAT’s UK sales were up a stellar 22% compared to the first four months of the previous year. On top of that, the brand also remained the second fastest-growing car brand, behind Jaguar, in the first four months of the year.

It has several other reasons to celebrate too. The first is SEAT achieved a major milestone by breaking into the top ten true fleet manufacturers for the first time, overtaking Nissan, Toyota and Vauxhall. 

On the back of four years of consecutive growth, its fleet team have already torn up their record books, having already secured more orders in just the four months of this year than their entire 2016 sales (9,856).

Secondly, its sizeable gains are not coming from a single model. Ateca continues to take the British market by storm. 

Already significantly up on SEAT’s internal sales forecasts, 841 of its multi-award-winning SUV were registered in April, taking to an impressive 3,942 year-to-date. Leading the pack still though is the New Leon range, which only launched in UK showrooms in February. 

Over 1,500 units of its SC, five-door and ST models found homes in April. Even with the current generation of Ibiza on run out, ahead of the July showroom launch of the brand new model, it performed strongly with 1,240. Lastly, its large MPV, Alhambra, also sold extremely well with 363 units.

Finally, the best is yet to come. Halfway through the largest product offensive in SEAT’s history, with four new models arriving in just 18 months, the UK order book for the third car, the eagerly-awaited All-New Ibiza, has just opened ahead of its showroom arrival on 21 July. 

Rounding off its sustainable growth plans is the firm’s first crossover, Arona, due to be unveiled soon ahead of its winter launch on these shores.

SEAT’s global results are equally strong. Between January and April this year, SEAT delivered 158,700 vehicles worldwide, an increase of 14.5% compared to the same period in 2016. The performance for April alone, with 41,400 deliveries, saw even higher growth, up 16%.

Commenting on the brand’s stellar performance so far this year, Richard Harrison, Director, SEAT UK commented, “SEAT has real momentum and in the UK, we’re really starting to realise the brand’s true potential. Every new product we’re launching is striking a chord with British car buyers, while the rest of our line-up continues to deliver strongly. 

The fact that we have two further top-draw cars coming soon, in All-new Ibiza and Arona, is the icing on the cake. The UK team and our dealer partners are doing a fantastic job and I can’t wait for our customers to enjoy our products even more in the months ahead.”

UK SALES APRIL - The Blue Oval remains the UK #1 brand as it has done every year for many decades.

Ford was the UK market leader in total vehicle, car and commercial vehicle (CV) sales in April, and also led retail sales across both car and CV sectors .

According to the official sales figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT):

April 2017 highlights:

• Ford total vehicle sales 23,062 (13.2 per cent share, and 4.5 percentage points ahead of nearest rival)
• Ford Fiesta is UK best-seller, Ford Transit Custom leads CV sales
• Ford has five models in the UK top 20 – Fiesta (1st), Focus (5th), Transit Custom (12th), Kuga (18th) and Transit (19th)
• Ford Fiesta, C-MAX, Mondeo, Fiesta Van, Transit Courier, Transit Custom, Tourneo Custom and Transit lead their respective segments 

Andy Barratt, Ford of Britain chairman and managing director, said: “Following our record sales performance in March, and the rush to avoid the VED tax rise, April was always going to be a slower month. Fiesta and Transit Custom continue to reinforce our long-standing leadership position in the UK, delivered through the strongest UK dealer network. Five vehicles in the UK top 20 and eight Ford vehicles leading their segments firmly underline the success of our exciting model range. 

“The UK car market remains strong and we continue to see significant growth in our EcoSport and Kuga models which have been enjoying robust sales this year, and this summer we see the most technologically advanced next generation Fiesta Ford arriving in dealerships.” 

The official figures released by the SMMT today show that total car sales in April were down 19.8 per cent to 152,076 units, compared with April 2016, following record sales in March. Ford vehicle sales were 16,183, 2,838 registrations ahead of its nearest rival. 

Ford maintains its lead in retail car sales, which most accurately reflect the preferences of private buyers. For April, Ford is 2.3 percentage points of retail car sales share ahead of its nearest rival and for the year to date, the lead is 5.0 percentage points. 

The Ford Fiesta remains the UK’s best-seller with 4,957 registrations in April, and led retail sales with 2,268 registrations and 1.7 percentage points of share ahead of its nearest rival. 

UK light commercial vehicle sales in April were down 17.5 per cent at 24,028 compared with April 2016. Ford light and medium commercials sales were 7,092, representing a market share of 29.5 per cent, up from 28.9 per cent in April 2015, and 16.5 per cent ahead of nearest rival. Transit Custom and Transit placed first and second in total CV sales, with Ford’s range of commercial vehicles leading total retail sales. 

The full availability of Ford’s extended CV family has helped deliver these significant increases in sales and share. Fiesta Van, Transit Courier, Transit Connect, Transit Custom, and Transit all placed in the top three in their respective market segments.