F&I Management & Training

High fuel prices and the threat of extra taxes on larger cars may be making smaller cars more popular, new car registration figures suggest. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said 4x4 registrations fell 18% in May compared with May 2007. Meanwhile, registrations of cars in the mini category, such as Hyundai I10 and Chevrolet Matiz, rose 120%. Analysts caution against reading too much into one month's figures and sales of 4x4s have risen over the past year. Also, the mini category is a relatively small one with only 2,912 of them registered in May, compared with 11,126 4x4s. Some of the rise in sales of smaller cars can be attributed to the launch of the new Hyundai I10 during the month.

DATED: 06.06.08

FEED: AW