August 2003 new car registrations in the United Kingdom climbed 2.4% to 89,338 units with private buyer registrations up 3.5%. Superminis dominated the market taking 33.8% of the month’s registrations. Year to date registrations were up just 0.18% to 1,633,585.
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SMMT chief executive Christopher Macgowan said: “With a change to the ’53’ number plate on 1 September, we might have expected a dip in August registrations but once again the new car market has climbed. Growth of over 2% in a traditionally low volume month is good news for the industry, showing a healthy market and a positive outlook for a strong September and year-end total.”
New car registrations in the UK are now expected to reach 2.52 million units in 2003, up 120,000 units from the initial January outlook, which will make 2003 the second highest annual market on record. In 2002 registrations reached 2,563,631 units and 2,458,769 in 2001.
The bi-annual plate change system was introduced in 1999 when August registrations were 74,444 units. They reached 72,708 units in August 2000, 77,368 units in August 2001 and 87,245 units in August 2002.
August typically accounts for around 3% of annual volumes, while September and the new ’53’ plate is expected to account for around 17% of the annual market.
The Ford Mondeo was the best selling diesel in August, although the VW Golf retained its top slot over the year-to-date. Diesel registrations rose for the 35th month in a row, up 17.8% in August and 15.8% for the year-to-date.
The Ford Focus topped the best seller’s list for the 40th consecutive month making it the UK’s best-selling car for over three years.
Honda, Land Rover, Mini, MG Rover, Toyota and Vauxhall registrations all rose in August, although net volumes of UK-built cars dipped.
Cars built outside the UK accounted for 82.9% of the market. BMW, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, smart and Suzuki were among those reporting gains.
UK Top 10 models year to date August
1. Ford Focus 85,689
2. Vauxhall Corsa 68,142
3. Ford Fiesta 65,447
4. Vauxhall Astra 65,212
5. Renault Clio 52,950
6. Peugeot 206 52,758
7. Renault Mégane 47,115
8. BMW 3 series 42,171
9. VW Golf 42,123
10. Ford Mondeo 37,890
