Scots new car sales fall 15.12% 05 | 02 | 2018
NEW CAR SALES in Scotland fell 15.12% in January, compared to the same month last year, down from 12,841 units to 10,900. As is the case across the rest of the UK, which fell by 6.3%, the drop was fuelled by the ongoing slump in diesel sales. (Related: Diesel slump fuels 6.3% UK car sales fall)
While Scotland’s overall January year-on-year sales fell by 1941 units, the total drop in sales of diesel-engined cars was down by 2219 units, according to the latest figures from the Scottish Motor Trade Association (SMTA).
Petrol sales, as in the rest of the UK, are showing growth particularly amongst the private buyer. The ratio of registrations for private buyers in Scotland is growing and sits at a very healthy 53.31% of the total, a rise on previous year of more than 2% points.
This is the best indicator of the shifting in the market place towards smaller, cleaner and more fuel-efficient petrol’s for the lower mileage user.
The alternative fuelled vehicle market continues to grow with a total of 472 units being registered in Scotland during January, up on 2017’s result of 382. The petrol/electric hybrid continues to be the most popular solution for those wishing to entertain the move towards non-fossil fuelled transport.
Ford topped the table for both the bestselling model and manufacturer. The Ford Fiesta was Scotland’s No1 seller in January with 505 units, significantly ahead of the second-placed Ford Focus with 266 registrations. The Vauxhall Mokka X (245), Nissan Qashqai (243) and VW Polo rounded out the top five.
Ford sold 1417 units across Scotland to take a 13% share of the market, with Vauxhall (1016 units and 9.32%) in second, followed by Volkswagen (927/8.50%).
Across the regions, only Lothian saw an increase on it January 2017 figures, up 2.99% from 1747 units last year to 1518 last month.
The biggest percentage fall came in Strathclyde, down by 25.8% from 6745 units in January 2017, to 5005 last month.
“We continue the downward trend on new vehicle registrations experienced at the end of last year,” Sandy Burgess, Chief Executive of the SMTA, said.
“Whilst disappointing, the increasing level of decline when measured against the rest of the UK is totally understandable given the impact on previous year’s registrations by the uptake of tactical opportunities.
“March is the first of the two big registration months with the latest 18-reg cars and vans hitting the streets.
“We would expect to see an increase in the retailers’ activities and with the levels of incentives being offered by the manufacturers, aligned with a very strong used car marketplace for consumers wishing to trade up to a new vehicle, the potential to secure a great deal is undeniable.”
Related: Scots new car market down 7.96% in 2017
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Jim McGill
Figures supplied by SMMT