While the 2019 UK car registration figures are clear that the market declined last year, various sources gave differing views as to what are the most important trends and what should be done.
The UK new car market declined in 2019, with annual registrations falling for the third consecutive year. According to figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), 2,311,140 units were registered in 2019, representing a -2.4 per cent decline. The market fell -6.8 per cent in 2018 and -5.7 per cent in 2017. This means the 2019 market is the lowest since 2013 when 2,264,737 were registered (see diagram). Representatives from industry associations and market analysts said the turbulent market reacted to weak business and consumer confidence, general political and economic instability and confusion over clean air zones.
Following the news that the boards of PSA Group and Fiat-Chrysler (FCA) have signed off on plans to combine operations and create a leading global group; David Leggett, Automotive Editor at GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company, offers his view:
The UK new car market fell -1.3% in November, with 156,621 models registered, according to figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
In November, the decline was driven primarily by weak private demand, registrations down -6.1%, while the business market also fell, down -3.2%, but fleet registrations fared better, up 2.8%. For the second consecutive month, total alternatively fuelled vehicle (AFV) registrations reached a record market share, with more than one in 10 cars joining UK roads either hybrid, plug-in hybrid or pure electric – equivalent to 16,052 cars.
BPW is now delivering the AirSave tyre pressure system, claiming that it pays for itself in the first year. The effectiveness of the company’s intelligent tyre pressure control system saves costs was tested in practice with transport companies: “The purchase pays for itself astonishingly quickly”, said Alfred Weyres, owner and managing director of Alfred Weyres Spedition GmbH. “The system ensures a permanently optimised roll resistance; fuel economy is clear – and added is the considerably longer tyre mileage. Because the fabric carcass is conserved, the system also optimises retreadability.”
During the last week Elon Musk and Tesla have been busily promoting their latest innovation – the Cyber Truck. The combination of its angular design and hugely powerful drivetrain will certainly turn heads. And, if the initial orders are anything to go by, it is set to be very disruptive in the growing SUV/pickup sector. Indeed, during the first 72 hours after the Cyber Truck’s launch 300,000 vehicles were pre-ordered – enough to put the Cyber Truck in the top 10 for annual US sales.
Bridgestone’s Battlax Hypersport S22 tyres have been selected as original equipment on the 2020 Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX sport tourer motorcycle.
After three years of close collaboration with Aston Martin’s, the prestige carmaker has announced that it is exclusively fitting the new Aston Martin DBX with a range of three Pirelli tyres. According to the company, the P Zero for the DBX has been developed to offer “the best possible performance and handling”, while the Scorpion Zero AS will go off-road, and the Scorpion Winter delivers “safety and performance even in in winter conditions, with the same dynamic drive as experienced in summer”.
Ultra-Seal reports that “an increasing number of customers” are being convinced of the tyre sealant’s benefits in terms of cost savings, reducing breakdowns and decreasing CO2 emissions. According to the company, both current and new customers are reducing tyre-related breakdowns by 50-75 per cent and increasing tyre life “substantially”.
Since the last report in May, Clear market research analysts are now reporting that several West European economies have had their forecasts for 2019/20 economic growth downgraded yet again. In the first six months trailer demand was up by 0.4 per cent but a fall of 14.9 per cent is forecast for the second half. As a result, the market will be down 6.6 per cent for the year.
Renault’s best-selling SUV is fitted with Goodyear’s 215/55 R18 95H EfficientGrip Performance tyres, after being chosen as one of the main tyre suppliers. Goodyear will also supply 215/60 R17 96H EfficientGrip Performance tyres.
In the USA, Yokohama Avid S34RV tyres have been selected as OE on the 2020 Chrysler Voyager. The fitment covers the North American market, including Canada and Mexico, in size 235/65R17 104T. The Voyager is now available for purchase.
The global automotive industry is currently facing serious economic headwinds and declining sales, leaving industry players wondering if millennials—who currently make up one-third of the world’s population—will drive the industry forward or break from past generations on vehicle ownership. The Millennials and Auto Trends Report released by Duff & Phelps, the global advisor that protects, restores and maximises value for clients, shows that concerns that millennials are less interested in car ownership are greatly overstated and rooted in misconceptions about millennial car-buying patterns.
Demand for trailers grew by 4.4 per cent in Eastern Europe in 2018, according to the latest research released by Clear. The market has grown every year for the last six years, but that growth has been quite moderate. Nevertheless, trailer sales in 2018 were the third highest on record, only surpassed in 2007 and 2008. The forecast for 2023 is that registrations of new trailers will be heading towards an all-time record.
“Motorcycle registrations stabilised with a 3.9 per cent sales increase in September following last month’s decline, as both economic and political uncertainty affected demand for bikes”, said Stephen Latham, Head of the National Motorcycle Dealers Association (NMDA) which represents motorcycle retailers across the UK, commenting on figures from the Motor Cycle Industry Association.
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