caterham has its best year since 1996 with over 600 units being sold, and 45% to export.

Caterham has posted record sales figures for 2016, with over 600 Caterham Sevens sold in the last 12 months.

That figure is the highest 12-month sales result for Caterham since 1996. More than half (55%) of cars were sold to UK customers, with 45% exported overseas.

The increase in sales has been supported by further growth in Caterham’s UK dealer network, adding representatives in the Northwest, Southwest and centrally in the Midlands with the launch of a bespoke Caterham dealership, while expansion of the iconic manufacturer’s model range has also had a positive impact.

In 2016, the new Seven 310 and Seven Sprint models were unveiled. The retro-soaked Sprint in particular proved hugely popular, with all 60 examples – representing 10% of the year’s total sales – being sold within one week of the car being launched at the Goodwood Revival in September.

Despite the UK’s decision to leave the EU in June, Caterham’s export sales remained consistently strong, with over 100 Sevens hitting French roads alone and over 60 Sevens unleashed in Japan.

CEO Graham MacDonald said: “Despite the political change last year, as we forecasted, Brexit’s impact on our business has been negligible. Export customers may have benefited in the short-term due to the weaker pound but, when you look at the markets, the UK and other territories have not faltered in 2016.”

Caterham Chief Commercial Officer, David Ridley, said: “This milestone shows exactly what we’ve achieved thanks to our unique partnerships and growing number of dealers.

“Over the last 12 months, we’ve worked hard to expand our UK dealer network, had the 620R immortalised in LEGO and seen the 310 model become an instant favourite. We’re keen to continue this momentum in 2017 as we celebrate 60 years of the Seven.”

Caterham declares 2014 was its best ever for exporting cars in 42 years of production.

British sportscar maker, Caterham Cars, has announced the most successful export year in its 42-year history. In 2014, Caterham sold 345 vehicles to customers outside of the UK, an increase of 6% on its record breaking export figures for 2013.

Export sales have comprised well over 50% of Caterham’s total annual sales for most of the last decade and the trend continues to grow as the brand is introduced to more markets.

A TRUE MISSED OPPORTUNITY

In the last 12 months, Caterham has opened dealerships in six new markets, taking its international presence to a total of 25 export territories across the globe and is looking to expand its rapidly-growing network of international dealers this year.

France, Japan, Germany, Switzerland and the USA remain Caterham’s most successful export markets but the brand is constantly seeking to expand further.

Caterham Cars Chief Executive, Graham Macdonald said “Our recent foray into the world of Formula 1 has introduced Caterham to a raft of new global audiences who had never heard of us before. Now, thanks to that international exposure, the Seven is on sale in markets as far flung as China, Taiwan, Malaysia and Colombia.”

Across the Atlantic, more South American dealerships are expected to open over the next year and Caterham’s visibility in North America continues to grow despite the logistical hurdles presented by the US homologation rules; last year, Caterham appointed its new American distributor, Superformance, which has dealers on both the west and east coasts of the country.

With motorsport at the heart of its heritage, Caterham has also used its on-track prowess as a platform on which to build in new markets. 

Its domestic French motor racing championships remain the strongest programme outside of the UK but new championships in both Taiwan and Colombia have started this year and showcase the legendary Seven in the best possible light in its own habitat.

USA - Caterham launches two new models for the US market.

British sportscar maker Caterham Cars has revealed two exciting new variants of its iconic Seven for the US market at Monterey Car Week – the Seven 480 and 360.

Increased American interest in the legendary British sportscar has sparked the launch of the two new models, which have been developed especially for the US market and will go on sale immediately.

Since January 2014, the Caterham Cars range has officially been on sale in the USA through its distributor, Superformance (www.superformance.com).

Sevens are shipped to the USA in part-built form and sold as rolling chassis via Superformance’s nationwide dealer network for customers to then complete personally.

The Caterham Seven was first created in England over 40 years ago and is now one of the most recognisable British sportscars. The Seven is famed for its distinctive, classic styling, lightweight structure and legendary performance and handling.

Both the new Seven 480 and Seven 360 models are powered by a two-litre Ford Duratec engine, with the 480 variant benefiting from slightly more power. The Seven 480 reaches 0-62 MPH is just 3.4 seconds with 237BHP and a top speed of 140 MPH.

Meanwhile, the slightly lower-powered Seven 360 reaches 0-62 MPH in an impressive 4.9 seconds with 180 BHP and a top speed of 130 MPH.

Prices start at $44,900 for the Seven 360 and $52,900 for the Seven 480.