Londoners still the greatest fans of cars with big engines

News release

Contact:
Serj Heera
Press Relations Executive, Automotive & Insurance
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serjeet.heera@uk.experian.com Email

londoners still the greatest fans of cars with big engines

Nottingham, UK, 12 December 2008 - As more and more used car buyers around the country moved away from 4x4s, Greater London was the only region to continue to see sales of this segment grow, according to the latest used car sales statistics from Experian^®, the global information services company.

There was a downturn in sales of used 4x4s throughout Great Britain (down 4.0 per cent) during quarter three, compared to the same period last year.  However, the popularity of 4x4s remained strong in Greater London with sales increasing by 9.4 per cent.

Furthermore, the country’s biggest casualties during July, August and September were the used luxury, executive and upper medium segments.  In the Greater London region, however, these used segments saw a smaller downturn in sales.  The biggest casualties in this region were the smaller used cars.  Sales of the used supermini and mini segments were down 8.4 per cent and 14.3 per cent respectively.

Other key changes in Greater London’s used car market during quarter three.

·         The region saw the biggest fall in used Fiat, Citroen and Rover sales during quarter three compared to other regions.

·         It was the only region to see sales of the two prestige brands, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, increase.

·         The drop in sales of the used luxury, executive and upper medium segments, was the smallest in this region.

·         The highest increase in used MPV sales came from this region.

·         Sales of used diesel cars fell around the country, but Greater London was the only region to see sales of these vehicles increase.

·         Younger cars (up to three years old) and cars over nine years old saw the highest fall in sales.

Kirk Fletcher, Managing Director of Experian’s Automotive division, said: “It is interesting to see that London is still the home of the most ‘die hard’ fans of 4x4s. 

“Price consciousness is featuring more heavily for car buyers elsewhere and the more expensive to run cars are seeing a downturn in sales.  In London, however, while sales of the bigger segments have slowed down, it is the smaller segments seeing the worst sales. 

“Our advice to dealers is to re-evaluate their stocking policies by using market insight to help them make better informed decisions.  Feedback from our clients highlights the value of knowing what type of vehicle is selling the most in certain areas and using this information to review and manage their stocking policies.  Experian’s MarketView Online has enabled our clients to do just that, by giving them greater insight into exactly what people are buying and where, to help them deliver sustained growth in the face of tough trading conditions.”

 Source: Experian’s MarketView Online and DVLA

Source: Experian’s MarketView Online and DVLA

Source: Experian’s MarketView Online and DVLA

Source: Experian’s MarketView Online and DVLA

ENDS