Jaguar Land Rover continues UK sales growth
JAGUAR Land Rover is continuing to see growth in the UK new car sector with sales for both marques rising during May.
Latest data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders shows Land Rover continuing to surge ahead based on strong demand for its new Halewood-produced Evoque model.
Sales for the Land Rover operation increased by 60.77% last month to 3,860, compared with 2,401 during April. Sales are more than 28% ahead for the year-to-date.
By comparison, Jaguar sales were relatively flat, rising just 0.18% in May to 1,126 compared with 1,124 in April. Nevertheless, the Jaguar business is almost 5% ahead for the year-to-date and the company is optimistic this will strengthen as the year progresses with the launch of the new XF Sportbrake – the estate version of its award-winning XF range.
Across the industry as a whole, new car registrations rose 7.9% in May to 162,288 units – the largest percentage rise for 23 months, boosted by 14.3% growth in private demand.
The fleet market also rose 4.8% last month, ending a three-month decline.
In total new car registrations have risen 2.6% between January-May to 868,166 units.
Paul Everitt, SMMT Chief Executive, said: “May’s 7.9% increase in new car registrations is good news for the motor industry and the UK economy, particularly the steady growth in demand from private buyers.
“There is no doubt that vehicle manufacturers and their dealer networks are working hard to deliver value for money to motorists and the consistent climb in new car registrations during the first five months of the year suggests that confidence is returning, despite financial uncertainty in the Eurozone.”
May was also a good month for Vauxhall as its popular Corsa model knocked Ford’s Fiesta and Focus from their pedestal to claim top spot in the monthly bestsellers list.
Ford nevertheless retains its dominance in the sector, continuing to claim the lion’s share of the market. Its Fiesta continues to be the bestselling car of the year.
Elsewhere in the sector, luxury brands Aston Martin and Bentley enjoyed mixed fortunes with the former down 38% for the month while VW-owned Bentley saw its sales rise 24%.
BMW continued its rise in the executive sector, with sales ahead 4.25% for the month although its popular Mini saw a dip for once – sales falling 16% compared with the previous month.
