Friday, April 19, 2013
Londoners most likely to suffer 'avoidable' MOT failures
- 35% of MOT failures in London could be avoided vs 22% nationally.
- Simple checks could cut up to 1.5 million failures across the UK each year.
- 5,545 UK car dealers unite to reduce MOT failure rate.
Motorists in London are more likely than those in any other part of the UK to fail their MOT as a result of simple, easy-to-fix, issues such as blown bulbs, worn tyres and cracked windscreens.
The research, conducted by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), indicates that around 1.5 million MOT failures each year could be avoided if motorists carry out simple visual checks of their vehicles and forewarn their dealer of issues, before the annual test of roadworthiness.
Across the various London boroughs, the research suggests 35% of failure issues could have been anticipated had the visual checks been carried out. This is well above the national average of 22%.
The findings are highlighted as part of the automotive industry's ‘Minute Or Two' campaign, which encourages motorists to carry out 10 visual checks of their vehicle prior to the MOT test. The full ‘Minute Or Two' checklist, which can be viewed at www.passmymot.co.uk, includes checks of headlights, tyres, windscreen wipers and fluid levels. The website also features a video guide to the checks and a Garage Finder tool, powered by Motor Codes, the car servicing customer service scheme backed by Trading Standards.
The campaign is backed by every major car maker, and technicians at 5,545 manufacturer main dealerships across the UK are ready and able to assist customers who might be unsure about carrying out the checks themselves.
Central London topped the table of fixable MOT failures with SMMT findings showing that 46% of issues could have been addressed after a simple 'driveway' check. At the other end of the spectrum, the Orkney Islands had the lowest number of avoidable fails, with only 13% of issues being of the type that an owner could have identified in advance of the MOT. In joint second place are the Hebrides and Shetland, with a 13.6% ‘fixable' failure rate.
UK areas with highest proportion of avoidable MOT failures
Ranking
|
Town
|
% of all MOT fails considered 'avoidable'
|
1
|
Central London
|
46.4
|
2
|
South West London
|
35.4
|
3
|
Bromley
|
34.3
|
4
|
Ilford
|
33.9
|
5
|
North West London
|
33.3
|
6
|
Kingston
|
32.7
|
7
|
Sutton
|
32.3
|
8
|
Harrow
|
31.0
|
9
|
East London
|
30.8
|
10
|
Croydon
|
30.6
|
11
|
Romford
|
30.5
|
12
|
St Albans
|
30.3
|
13
|
Twickenham
|
30.2
|
14
|
West London
|
30.1
|
15
|
Enfield
|
29.8
|
UK towns with lowest proportion of avoidable MOT failures
Ranking
|
Town
|
% of all MOT fails considered 'avoidable'
|
1
|
Orkney
|
13.0
|
2=
|
Hebrides
|
13.6
|
2=
|
Shetland
|
13.6
|
4
|
Berwick-on-Tweed
|
14.0
|
5
|
Kirkcaldy
|
15.1
|
6
|
Bradford
|
15.3
|
7
|
Sunderland
|
15.4
|
8
|
Inverness
|
15.5
|
9
|
Aberdeen
|
15.8
|
10=
|
Hull
|
15.9
|
10=
|
Stoke-on-Trent
|
15.9
|
12
|
Newcastle
|
16.1
|
13=
|
Dundee
|
16.3
|
13=
|
Telford
|
16.3
|
15
|
Truro
|
16.5
|
"The data shows that, more than anywhere else in the UK, motorists in London would be able to avoid needless MOT failures by spending just a few minutes carrying out a series of simple pre-MOT checks," explains Mike Baunton, SMMT Interim Chief Executive. "The aim of the ‘Minute Or Two' campaign is to give motorists the knowledge and confidence to check their own vehicles and eliminate the possibility of simple problems, such as lights and fluid levels, causing a fail at the vehicle's next MOT test."
Sue Robinson, NFDA Director commented, "The statistics prove that unnecessary MOT failures are commonplace throughout London and the rest of the UK. The ‘Minute Or Two' scheme, along with the assistance of their local manufacturer main dealer, could make a huge difference to MOT pass rates, saving motorists both time and money."
DATED: 19.04.13
FEED: HA
Honda opens pre-order bank for NSX supercar
The new NSX is already receiving unprecedented demand, so much so that Honda (UK) has opened a pre-order bank for the hotly anticipated supercar.
For a deposit of £5,000 potential owners can be among the first in the UK to get behind the wheel of the brand new NSX when it hits showrooms in 2015.
Phil Crossman, Managing Director, Honda (UK), commented; "We are really pleased with the interest we've already seen for the new NSX. We are still two years away from the launch of the car and yet we've received over 20 deposits and that's before we've even announced prices or seen the final production car. With this process in place we are confident demand will remain strong and early hand raisers can now visit any Honda dealership in the UK and place a deposit."
The dynamically-styled NSX Concept was first unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show in 2012 giving an indication of the design of the next great performance vehicle from Honda.
The NSX Concept features a low and wide stance with dynamic proportions highlighted by clean, modern and simple surfacing, and edgy details that communicate supercar attitude. While the interior package boasts outstanding visibility, a strong driving position, and an intuitive "Simple Sports Interface" that minimises interior clutter, allowing the driver to focus on the driving experience. Consistent with the spirit of the original NSX, Honda's designers have strived to deliver synergy between man and machine.
The new NSX will aim to deliver a new sports car experience that combines supercar dynamic capabilities with advanced environmental performance. The NSX will be powered by a mid-mounted, direct-injected V6 engine mated to Honda's Sport Hybrid SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive) system. It will also utilise a unique 2 Electric Motor Drive Unit with a bilateral torque adjustable control system so the new hybrid all-wheel-drive system can instantly generate negative or positive torque to the front wheels during cornering, which Honda anticipates will deliver handling performance unmatched by previous AWD systems.
The new NSX is being developed by a global R&D team led by designers and engineers at Honda R&D Americas, Inc. located in Los Angeles, California, and Raymond, Ohio. The new NSX will also be manufactured at a new production facility in central Ohio.
The news of a pre-order bank follows in the footsteps of the previous NSX which saw 25 pre-orders being taken a year ahead of its UK launch. The first generation NSX was launched in 1990 and spent 15 years in production selling 18,000 units globally with 290 being sold to customers in the UK.
Honda has created a brand new page on the official UK website www.honda.co.uk/nsx to highlight all the exciting NSX news as it's announced.
DATED: 19.04.13
FEED: HA
Three is the magic number for Network Q customers
- 6.9% APR1 representative Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) finance
- Up to £500 deposit contribution courtesy of Network Q
- Opportunity to win back the value of your car
Luton - Network Q customers can take advantage of three deals when buying a used Vauxhall including Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) finance packages, up to £500 deposit contribution2 and the chance to win back the value of your car3.
This Network Q PCP campaign rate is available on five selected 12-plate models including Corsa 1.2 Exclusiv 5-door [a/c], Corsa 1.2 SXi 5-door [a/c], Meriva1.4i 16V Exclusiv 5-door, Astra 1.4i 16V Exclusiv 5-door and Astra1.6i 16V SRi 5-door.
Finance example
|
Representative Example
|
Finance example
| |||
Meriva 1.4i 16V Exclusiv 5dr (2010 on)
|
Corsa 1.2 Exclusiv 5dr [a/c] (2011 on)
|
Astra 1.4i 16V Exclusiv 5dr (2009 to 2012)
| |||
36 Monthly Payments of
|
£124.99
|
36 Monthly Payments of
|
£ 109.01
|
36 Monthly Payments of
|
£ 155.01
|
Retail Price
|
£8,999.00
|
Retail Price
|
£ 7,999.00
|
Retail Price
|
£ 9,999.00
|
Customer Deposit
|
£2,078.00
|
Customer Deposit
|
£ 1,636.00
|
Customer Deposit
|
£ 2,067.00
|
Amount of credit
|
£6,921.00
|
Amount of credit
|
£ 6,363.00
|
Amount of credit
|
£ 7,932.00
|
Interest charges
|
£1,084.89
|
Interest charges
|
£ 1,020.86
|
Interest charges
|
£ 1,197.11
|
Total amount payable
|
£10,083.89
|
Total amount payable
|
£ 9,019.86
|
Total amount payable
|
£ 11,196.11
|
Optional final payment
|
£3,506.25
|
Optional final payment
|
£ 3,459.50
|
Optional final payment
|
£ 3,548.75
|
Mileage per annum
|
10000
|
Mileage per annum
|
10000
|
Mileage per annum
|
10000
|
Excess mileage charge
|
14.9p
|
Excess mileage charge
|
14.9p
|
Excess mileage charge
|
14.9p
|
Duration of Agreement
|
37 Months
|
Duration of Agreement
|
37 Months
|
Duration of Agreement
|
37 Months
|
Fixed rate of interest p.a.
|
3.55%
|
Fixed rate of interest p.a.
|
3.55%
|
Fixed rate of interest p.a.
|
3.55%
|
APR
|
6.90%
|
Representative APR
|
6.90%
|
APR
|
6.90%
|
And if that wasn't enough, one lucky Network Q customer will win back the value of their car after the promotion finishes on the 29th April.
"We are delighted to introduce this finance offer," said Derek Wilson, Network Q's Operations Director. "PCP Finance allows buyers to drive away a used Vauxhall on a flexible monthly payment programme with a Network Q deposit contribution of up to £500. Plus there's the opportunity for one lucky Network Q customer to win back the value of their car."
Network Q offers its customers peace of mind when buying a used car and they can be assured of the best selection of quality Vauxhalls anywhere in the UK with over 10,000 to choose from in more than 350 retail outlets. Vehicles are inspected by those who know Vauxhalls best: Vauxhall technicians.
Launched in 1990, Network Q was the first national, manufacturer-backed used car programme and is the largest used car programme in the UK and the best recognised in Europe. Network Q has sold over two million used cars to date. For more information on Network Q visit: www.networkq.co.uk .
DATED: 19.04.13
FEED: HA
Stop the crash at Fleet World
Reducing fleet costs and improving driver safety will be high on the agenda for visitors to next week's Fleet World Fleet Show, and insurers' research centre Thatcham will be demonstrating how both can be achieved with the help of innovative new vehicle technologies.
Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) has the potential to be as important a development in vehicle safety as the seat belt. With 75% of all crashes occurring at less than 20 mph, AEB can help to completely avoid these common real world accident scenarios and to mitigate many others, keeping drivers safe and vehicles on the road.
Another benefit for fleet managers is that insurers have now recognised the huge potential of these systems. As a result they have agreed to offer a reduction in insurance grouping, providing the system is a standard fit and meets the exacting standards of the Thatcham testing protocol. Whilst individual insurers will naturally make their own premium calculations, the majority of owners of qualifying vehicles are likely to see discounts in the range of 10%, which represents a very substantial saving for large fleet managers.
While developing the testing protocol, Thatcham accumulated and analysed data from around the world. In particular the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in the USA ran a major study on Volvo's XC60, the first car to be fitted with AEB as standard - its City Safety system. Claims data analysis showed 25% fewer claims were made for the XC60 than other similar 4x4s showing that many lower speed front-to-rear traffic shunts were being prevented. The cost of collision claims was reduced too, with the average third party loss payment per claim some 27% lower than for all other similar vehicles.
Vehicle manufacturers have already begun to introduce standard fit AEB systems on many volume selling vehicles including the new VW Golf Mk 7, the Mazda CX-5 and 6, the Fiat 500L, as well as a range of Volvos - the V40, V60, S60, V70, S80, XC60 and XC70. At Fleet World, visitors to the Thatcham Research demonstration area will have the opportunity to test for themselves the technology's undoubted potential in preventing low speed accidents.
Working with eSafetyAware partners Bosch and RoadSafe, as part of the ‘Driving for Better Business' campaign, Thatcham will provide a range of vehicles and systems for visitors to drive and explore with experts on hand to explain the technology benefits.
DATED: 19.04.13
FEED: HA
New arrival at Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles further strengthens UK team
Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles has a new member in its UK line-up of Fleet Strategic Account Managers with the appointment of Mark Hamilton to the newly created role of Leasing & Strategic Account Manager.
Mark joins Mercedes-Benz UK with significant automotive experience, having spent the past eight years with Audi UK as National Key Account Manager and Regional Contract Hire & Leasing Manager as well as a further five years as Regional Manager at Nissan GB Commercial Vehicles.
Andrew Lawson, National Fleet Sales Manager, Mercedes-Benz UK, said: "The appointment of Mark is just another demonstration of commitment in the commercial vehicle fleet arena. One of our key focuses in Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles is our ambition to grow within this industry.
"We are pleased to welcome Mark to the fleet team - he brings with him a wealth of experience with corporate customers and the contract hire and leasing sector."
DATED: 19.04.13
FEED: HA
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Alpine Trial Centenary Collection set for debut at Auto China 2013
- Alpine Trial Centenary Collection celebrates landmark moment in Rolls-Royce and automotive history - the establishment of the Silver Ghost as the ‘Best Car in the World'
- First ever Bespoke homage to a heritage Rolls-Royce car
- Rolls-Royce Motor Cars announces entry of Works Team into the centenary 20-Ghost Club reenactment of 1913 Alpine Trial
A century ago this June, four Rolls-Royce Silver Ghosts embarked on the Austrian Alpine Trials, the most arduous test of automotive endurance of the time.
In performing without fault over 1820 gruelling miles of near impassable mountain terrain, the Rolls-Royce Works Team and privateer entrant James Radley helped cement the marque's reputation for peerless reliability and mechanical excellence, a reputation the company proudly retains today. The Silver Ghosts' performance establishing Rolls-Royce as maker of the ‘Best Car in the World'.
At Auto China 2013, the Bespoke department at the Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, England celebrates these endeavours with the launch of the Alpine Trial Centenary Collection.
The first time a Bespoke model has taken inspiration from a heritage Rolls-Royce, this limited edition of Rolls-Royce Ghosts features exquisitely crafted design cues that pay tribute to the 1913 Alpine Trials cars. The exterior paint hue, for example takes close inspiration from Radley's Silver Ghost, a car that will participate in this year's reenactment of the 1913 Alpine Trial, as part of the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Works Team.
The Radley car's distinct black grille and wheels are also replicated across the collection - the first time a painted grille has adorned a contemporary Rolls-Royce motor car.
The cabin plays host to Bespoke details that elegantly tell the story of the Alpine Trial. The clock displays the stages of the rally and timings, whilst inlays to rear picnic tables and the front fascia express the topography and distances of the Alpine route. Each element is meticulously hand-crafted and researched to ensure accuracy, epitomising hallmark Rolls-Royce attention to detail.
A hand-painted coachline referencing the four Rolls-Royces that took part in the rally and headlining, colour-matched to the hood of Radley's car, completes a beautiful homage.
"The 1913 Alpine Trial was an extraordinary moment in the rich history of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars," said Torsten Müller-Ötvös, CEO Rolls-Royce Motor Cars."The standards of engineering and pioneer spirit required to achieve such feats stands as inspiration to everyone associated with the marque. The Bespoke Alpine Trial Centenary Collection is a fitting tribute to these achievements. It is testament to the enduring quality of a Rolls-Royce motor car that this 2013 car will be joined by a participant in the original trials, the 1913 Radley Silver Ghost."
An extraordinary story re-enacted...
In celebration of the centenary of the 1913 Alpine Trial, the 20-Ghost Club has organised a faithful re-enactment which will start in Vienna on 14 June 2013.
A Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Works Team comprising a 2013 Alpine Trial Centenary Collection Ghost and Radley 1913 Silver Ghost will participate in the rally.
In total, over 40 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghosts will traverse through Austria, Slovenia, Italy and Croatia - taking in some of Europe's most beautiful scenery, before returning to Vienna on 29 June.
They will converge with a parallel rally organised by the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts Club for a Gala at the beautiful Riva del Garda, Italy. 100 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghosts will stand side-by-side that evening, representing the largest gathering of its kind in history.
Further information
You can find all our press releases and press kits, as well as a wide selection of high resolution, downloadable photographs and video footage at our media website, PressClub. You can also find the communications team at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars on Twitter.
DATED: 19.04.13
FEED: HA
Telegraph Media Group launches first virtual motor show
Kia, Vauxhall, Volvo, Alfa Romeo, Audi and Goodwood are key partners
Telegraph Media Group, (TMG), will launch the UK's first virtual motor show on The Telegraph on 29th April and is pleased to announce that Kia, Vauxhall, Volvo, Alfa Romeo, Audi and Goodwood will each be hosting a ‘virtual hub'. Other participating manufacturers will be announced shortly.
The event, The Telegraph Festival of Motoring, will take place on a dedicated online channel,www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/festival-of-motoring, designed by TMG, from Monday, 29th April to Friday, 3rdMay.
The virtual festival, which is the first of its kind in the UK, will offer visitors unique interactive webchats and webinars with key manufacturer personnel of some of the biggest companies in the automotive industry. The Festival will also offer online networking lounges, virtual exhibitor stands and online car show rooms with expert advice, for those looking to buy a new car.
The Festival is being promoted in the award winning Motoring supplement in The Daily Telegraph. Readers interested in being a part of the Festival are encouraged to register their name and email address on the Channel and will then receive an alert when the Festival launches.
The Festival will culminate with The Telegraph Motoring Awards, taking place on Friday, 3rd May at the London Transport Museum. There are eight categories and the winners will be voted for by Telegraph readers throughout the week of the Festival. There will also be an overall Best Car Award, based on the top 20 selling cars of last year - voted for by readers.
Erin Baker, Head of Motoring, TMG, said: "We're incredibly excited by this innovative approach to a motor show that you can access from anywhere. With the UK now the second largest market in Europe, there's never been a better time to launch an online motor show, as more and more research into cars and the buying process are performed via the web.
"The Telegraph Festival of Motoring will add to the car-buying experience, featuring exclusive webinars with acknowledged Telegraph Motoring experts such as Honest John, Andrew English and James Foxall. Telegraph readers are discerning buyers and are 42 per cent more likely to buy new cars than anyone else, and a number of prestigious marques have realised the value of interacting with them in tandem with the Telegraph."
Melanie Danks, Client Director, TMG, said: "The Festival of Motoring is yet another example of how we are continuously innovating and producing media firsts at The Telegraph. We know our audience and value their needs and felt The Telegraph Festival of Motoring was the next step."
Please visit: www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/festival-of-motoring to register your interest and be a part of the Festival.
DATED: 19.04.13
FEED: HA
Transport News Brief
After clocking up the walking miles at last week's hugely well-received CV Show, I resumed normal service this week, attending the Technician Professional Development Conference where high on the agenda was the hot topic of skills in the commercial vehicle industry.
|
Brake urges runners to sign up for One Big Weekend to help support road crash victims
Brake, the road safety charity, is seeking fleet-footed fundraisers to sign up now to run as part of the One Big Weekend Event coordinated by jogscotland on 3-4 August 2013.
By getting sponsored to take part in one of the four runs taking place across Scotland, individuals and groups can help Brake's work to make roads safer for people on foot and bike - including joggers -and support people bereaved or injured in road crashes.
Throughout 2012, 78 people ran for Brake, raising a fantastic £65,000 for the charity. In 2013 Brake supporter Alice Keil, from Stirling, will be running 5km for Brake in Perth as part of jogscotland's One Big Weekend event (see below).
Brake is appealing to runners across Scotland to run for Brake in 2013, in support of the charity's campaign to make roads safer for walking, running and cycling through slower traffic speeds in communities and better pavements, paths and crossings. Read about the GO 20 campaign.
Brake is one of jogscotland's charity partner's for the One Big Weekend event. Runs are taking place along the beach esplanade in Aberdeen, through North Inch Park in Perth, around the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh, and through Bellahouston Park in Glasgow. Runners as young as 11 are invited to take part, with fun runs taking place for younger children.
Prospective runners can sign up at www.jogscotlandonebigweekend.com
Brake provides all fundraisers with a pack containing a t-shirt, sponsorship envelopes, hints and tips on raising funds, and information on Brake's work.
Brake also has places available on other runs throughout the year, or you can book a place on one of the many races across the UK this year atwww.runningdiary.co.uk and contact us for a sponsorship pack.
To run a 5k in the One Big Weekend events for Brake or find out about other runs, complete our form or contact Lisa onlkendall@brake.org.uk or 01484 683294. Find out about other fundraisers at www.brake.org.uk/fundraise.
Alice Keil, 18, from Stirling will be taking part in the run in Perth on 3 August, in memory of her best friend Elli Williams who was tragically killed when she was struck by a car while walking home in January 2011.
Alice said: "I've chosen to support Brake because they do a lot of work helping people bereaved by road crashes and they have done so much to help me and Elli's family. Her parents and three younger siblings have received such great support to make their awful loss that little bit easier. That is why I am running a 5k race, holding a bake sale, bag-packing in the supermarket and holding a charity party at work for this incredible charity in memory of my best friend. I also believe that people need to be educated on road safety to prevent crashes from happening as I've witnessed first-hand the devastating effects of the death of a loved one on the road."
Lisa Kendall, community fundraising manager at Brake, says: "Running for Brake - in a jogscotland 5k race or another race of your choice - is a great way to support a critical charitable cause while keeping fit and taking part in an exciting event alongside thousands of others. By joining the many people, like Alice, who have run for Brake, you can help us support people devastated by road crashes, and keep campaigning for safer roads for everyone. We're especially calling on existing and budding road runners to run for Brake this year in support of our major new campaign to make roads safer for people to walk, run and cycle without being endangered. We'd encourage anyone who likes a challenge to follow their lead and sign up now."
DATED: 19.04.13
FEED: HA
Largest collection of Fiat Group vehicles line up for fleet event
The largest collection of vehicles available from Fiat Group Automobiles UK were brought together for an event to showcase the broad range of models now offered by the brand.
The ‘Fiat Group Drive Day' event gathered together more than 70 vehicles from Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Jeep, Abarth and Fiat Professional.
All were available to try in safety on the National Circuit at Rockingham Motor Speedway, Northamptonshire - an opportunity welcomed by the 170-strong group of invited contract hire and corporate guests who took 830 test drives during the course of the day.
Designed to raise the profile of Fiat Group Automobiles UK within the corporate world, the event included track time, off-road driving and a skid pan experience in an action packed day.
"In terms of numbers, the attendance was very good indeed representing one of the best attended fleet events we have held recently," says Gerry Southerington, Fleet Operations Manager, FGA. "I'm delighted that our contract hire customers have brought along clients of their own to see and try out our extensive vehicle range.
"The Fiat Group is well known for its smaller cars, such as the Fiat 500 and Panda. But this event has shown that there is an awful lot more to the Fiat Group than that. It has raised the profile of all of our brands from Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Jeep, Abarth and Fiat Professional light commercial vehicles."
Fiat will now follow this successful event with a demonstrator programme giving clients an opportunity for a more in-depth evaluation of the vehicles they have tested.
DATED: 19.04.13
FEED: HA
Europe’s new car market shows no sign of recovery during the first quarter of 2013
- Europe's new car sales dropped by 10.2% in March, and by 9.8% year-to-date compared to 2012
- In the ‘Big Five' markets, Germany experienced the largest reduction in sales while the British market remained strong
- Volkswagen's Golf still led the market and the Ford Fiesta was Europe's second most popular vehicle
The latest analysis from JATO Dynamics, the world's leading provider of automotive intelligence, found that despite sales growth in Great Britain, the European new car market was still down with declining sales in March and during the first quarter of 2013.
JATO's key findings:
- New car sales in the European new car market declined by 10.2% in March and 9.8% year-to-date compared to the same quarter in 2012
- Great Britain was the only ‘Big Five' market to see any growth during the month (sales up 5.9%) and in Q1 (sales up 7.4% on Q1 2012)
- Of the ‘Big Five' markets Germany experienced the largest drop in new car sales; almost 100,000 units in March
- Fiat was the only brand in the top ten to record an increase in new car sales in March and BMW was the only brand in the top ten to see an increase at the end of Q1 compared to 2012
- Three of the top ten models recorded an increase in March and Q1 new car sales: Renault's Clio, Peugeot's 208 and the BMW 3-Series
The first quarter of 2013 proved to be very challenging across Europe, with four of the ‘Big Five' markets reporting a drop in new car sales compared to the same period last year.
Germany, which is historically the one of most resilient of the European markets, shows the largest fall in new car sales of the group, down 17.1% on March 2012 and down 12.9% on the quarter. Local economists are reporting "no growth during the first quarter in Germany", which has led to consumers being more cautious than normal during this period. They are however, expecting to see signs of improvement by mid-year.
Great Britain remained the strongest performer of the key European markets in 2013, with new car sales for the quarter up by over 40,000 units compared to the same period in 2012. The quarter has been boosted by an increase in private new car sales and the bi-annual registration plate change that shapes the market in March and September. Concerns surrounding the "unlucky" 13-registration plate have not upset the market as some initially thought it might.
Sales by Market
Country
|
Mar_13
|
Mar_12
|
% Change Mar
|
Mar YtD_13
|
Mar YtD_12
|
% Change YtD
|
Austria
|
31,067
|
37,933
|
-18.1%
|
80,024
|
88,764
|
-9.8%
|
Belgium
|
53,076
|
59,915
|
-11.4%
|
149,160
|
148,363
|
+0.5%
|
Croatia
|
2,408
|
3,783
|
-36.3%
|
6,017
|
10,846
|
-44.5%
|
Cyprus
|
372
|
802
|
-53.6%
|
1,723
|
2,888
|
-40.3%
|
Czech Republic
|
13,820
|
17,064
|
-19.0%
|
36,453
|
43,508
|
-16.2%
|
Denmark
|
14,953
|
13,673
|
+9.4%
|
41,939
|
40,739
|
+2.9%
|
Estonia
|
1,630
|
1,684
|
-3.2%
|
4,707
|
4,658
|
+1.1%
|
Finland
|
9,490
|
22,919
|
-58.6%
|
27,601
|
47,762
|
-42.2%
|
France
|
165,829
|
197,774
|
-16.2%
|
433,882
|
507,841
|
-14.6%
|
Germany
|
281,185
|
339,123
|
-17.1%
|
673,958
|
773,636
|
-12.9%
|
Great Britain
|
394,806
|
372,835
|
+5.9%
|
605,198
|
563,556
|
+7.4%
|
Greece-Regional
|
4,488
|
4,898
|
-8.4%
|
14,133
|
17,119
|
-17.4%
|
Hungary
|
5,085
|
4,806
|
+5.8%
|
12,632
|
14,083
|
-10.3%
|
Iceland
|
493
|
433
|
+13.9%
|
1,333
|
1,076
|
+23.9%
|
Ireland
|
11,695
|
13,051
|
-10.4%
|
39,549
|
45,840
|
-13.7%
|
Italy
|
132,619
|
139,460
|
-4.9%
|
356,646
|
410,212
|
-13.1%
|
Latvia
|
805
|
879
|
-8.4%
|
2,354
|
2,488
|
-5.4%
|
Lithuania
|
956
|
1,001
|
-4.5%
|
2,739
|
2,872
|
-4.6%
|
Luxembourg
|
4,850
|
5,319
|
-8.8%
|
12,315
|
13,511
|
-8.9%
|
Norway
|
10,919
|
13,225
|
-17.4%
|
33,963
|
35,057
|
-3.1%
|
Poland
|
25,364
|
29,460
|
-13.9%
|
75,718
|
77,555
|
-2.4%
|
Portugal*
|
11,129
|
9,656
|
+15.3%
|
25,630
|
23,521
|
+9.0%
|
Romania*
|
5,737
|
5,815
|
-1.3%
|
13,284
|
13,830
|
-3.9%
|
Serbia
|
1,775
|
2,329
|
-23.8%
|
4,048
|
5,215
|
-22.4%
|
Slovakia
|
5,729
|
6,429
|
-10.9%
|
14,499
|
16,605
|
-12.7%
|
Slovenia
|
4,578
|
5,186
|
-11.7%
|
12,768
|
14,325
|
-10.9%
|
Spain
|
73,107
|
84,445
|
-13.4%
|
181,645
|
204,091
|
-11.0%
|
Sweden
|
22,493
|
28,555
|
-21.2%
|
56,074
|
67,976
|
-17.5%
|
Switzerland
|
28,018
|
32,695
|
-14.3%
|
70,669
|
79,619
|
-11.2%
|
The Netherlands
|
35,607
|
52,322
|
-31.9%
|
116,426
|
166,436
|
-30.0%
|
Grand Total
|
1,354,083
|
1,507,469
|
-10.2%
|
3,107,087
|
3,443,992
|
-9.8%
|
* denotes estimated or provisional data used for March 2013
Brand Performance
Most brands continued to struggle due to the on-going economic uncertainty. BMW was the only brand to record an increase in Q1 sales compared to last year, with new car sales up 0.5% on 2012 because of increasing sales of the 3-Series in Belgium and the 1-Series in Great Britain. In March, Fiat saw some success with the recently introduced 500L mini-MPV model and ended the month with a sales increase of 8.0%. However, this was not enough to improve on last year's brand performance, and Fiat ended the quarter 0.2% down compared to the same period last year.
Although 50% of Fiat's 500L sales have been in its home market, it was not enough to lift the Italian new car market, which finished the quarter with sales 13.1% below the same period last year. Most of the German brands have also experienced a difficult start to the year. Volkswagen, Audi and Mercedes all suffered a decrease in new car sales in Q1, down 12.7%, 5.7% and 0.8% respectively compared to the same period in 2012. March proved to be a difficult month for Volkswagen with sales falling 14.9% compared to March 2012.
Outside the top ten, there was some positive news as brands such as Dacia and Honda, along with some specialist premium brands like Land Rover and Jaguar, recorded improved sales performances.
Commenting on the findings, Gareth Hession, Vice President, Research at JATO said: "With the majority of the ‘Big Five' markets struggling, most of the top ten brands are finding it difficult to increase sales, even with the introduction of new models."
Top Ten Brands
Make
|
Mar_13
|
Mar_12
|
% Change Mar
|
Mar YtD_13
|
Mar YtD_12
|
% Change YtD
|
VOLKSWAGEN
|
157,433
|
185,089
|
-14.9%
|
379,012
|
433,982
|
-12.7%
|
FORD
|
112,056
|
132,868
|
-15.7%
|
228,552
|
285,615
|
-20.0%
|
OPEL/VAUXHALL
|
99,650
|
111,155
|
-10.4%
|
209,143
|
227,884
|
-8.2%
|
RENAULT
|
78,726
|
93,485
|
-15.8%
|
194,527
|
226,404
|
-14.1%
|
PEUGEOT
|
77,080
|
89,303
|
-13.7%
|
189,746
|
218,527
|
-13.2%
|
AUDI
|
76,618
|
83,910
|
-8.7%
|
170,259
|
180,569
|
-5.7%
|
BMW
|
70,776
|
74,021
|
-4.4%
|
158,520
|
157,669
|
+0.5%
|
MERCEDES
|
66,762
|
67,903
|
-1.7%
|
151,339
|
152,583
|
-0.8%
|
FIAT
|
63,417
|
58,702
|
+8.0%
|
154,123
|
154,407
|
-0.2%
|
CITROEN
|
61,882
|
76,429
|
-19.0%
|
156,885
|
191,029
|
-17.9%
|
Top Ten Models
Renault's new fourth generation Clio, the new Peugeot 208 and BMW's 3-Series are the only models in the top ten recording improved sales both for the month of March and Q1 2013. The 208 performed particularly well last month, because it is now more widely available compared to last year, with sales up over 23,000 units on March 2012. As a result of strong sales in Belgium, Germany, Italy and Spain, the BMW 3-Series saw a 30.9% increase in sales at the end of the first quarter.
Although the Volkswagen Golf remains the most popular car in Europe, its sales continued to fall. Ford's Fiesta holds on to second place in the top ten and remains the market leader in Great Britain, following its recent facelift and the addition of a 1.0 Ecoboost turbo petrol engine. The popular Volkswagen Polo has dropped to seventh place with sales down 23.6% in March and 21.5% at the end of the quarter.
Outside of the top ten models, the new Toyota Auris is making a big impact on the market with sales up 26.5% in March. New and updated models including Kia Cee'd, Mercedes A-Class, Opel/Vauxhall Mokka, Ford B-Max and Volvo V40 also recorded strong sales.
Hession concluded: "Europe continues to be a difficult market for most brands but it is important to recognise the appeal of new products, premium brands and crossover vehicles even in challenging economic circumstances. The success of new models from Fiat, Renault, Peugeot and BMW are proof that brands need to stay innovative and exciting to sustain sales."
Top Ten Models
Make & Model
|
Mar_13
|
Mar_12
|
% Change Mar
|
Mar YtD_13
|
Mar YtD_12
|
% Change YtD
|
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
|
48,935
|
53,083
|
-7.8%
|
112,223
|
122,698
|
-8.5%
|
FORD FIESTA
|
41,686
|
47,955
|
-13.1%
|
77,818
|
91,265
|
-14.7%
|
OPEL/VAUXHALL CORSA
|
33,579
|
39,017
|
-13.9%
|
63,533
|
73,568
|
-13.6%
|
RENAULT CLIO
|
31,623
|
28,949
|
+9.2%
|
75,474
|
66,448
|
+13.6%
|
NISSAN QASHQAI
|
29,116
|
30,468
|
-4.4%
|
61,886
|
62,956
|
-1.7%
|
FORD FOCUS
|
28,966
|
32,886
|
-11.9%
|
61,254
|
74,830
|
-18.1%
|
VOLKSWAGEN POLO
|
28,379
|
37,129
|
-23.6%
|
68,800
|
87,611
|
-21.5%
|
PEUGEOT 208
|
28,073
|
4,062
|
-
|
66,809
|
4,677
|
-
|
OPEL/VAUXHALL ASTRA
|
22,598
|
30,743
|
-26.5%
|
51,988
|
62,843
|
-17.3%
|
BMW SERIES 3
|
21,263
|
18,263
|
+16.4%
|
48,161
|
36,780
|
+30.9%
|
DATED: 19.04.13
FEED: HA
