The list price of volume-brand upper-medium cars (Ford Mondeo, Renault Laguna, Vauxhall [Opel] Vectra, etc) rose by 2.2%, year-on-year, to the end of March – more than for any other vehicle sector.
Go deeper with GlobalData
According to the latest Glass’s New Car Market Trends report, this rate of increase is in stark contrast to the UK’s new car market as a whole, which has experienced a slight rise of just 0.6% over the past year, an average of just £79 extra per vehicle. March was the third month in a row to see a slowdown in year-on-year new car price rises.
“The change in registration plate in March inevitably brought some added impetus to the UK’s new car market, but sales activity so far in 2005 still remains down on last year,” said a Glass’s spokesman. “This makes the continued easing back in list price inflation look likely for several months to come. However, we should not rule out the distinct possibility that one of the major manufacturers could increase prices, which would encourage others to follow suit.”
Sector-by sector price changes
List prices of superminis fell 1.7% over the 12 months ending in March. A key factor influencing this fall is the greater availability of smaller, more affordable diesel engines. Until recently, those wanting diesel power in a supermini had to opt for relatively expensive, larger-capacity powerplants that were originally developed for mid-sized hatchbacks and upper-medium family cars.
How well do you really know your competitors?
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
Thank you!
Your download email will arrive shortly
Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample
We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form
By GlobalDataThe 2.2% rise in list prices, year-on-year, for volume-brand upper-medium cars comes as a consequence of price increases across more than half of all models in the sector – many by between £300 and £500. This follows a prolonged period of virtually static pricing for most volume-brand family cars.
Compact MPVs ([small minivans like the Ford Focus C-MAX and Renault Mégane Scenic) match the 2.2% year-on-year list price rise affecting upper-medium cars, although this is partly attributable to the arrival of several models at the upper end of the pricing spectrum, including the Toyota Corolla Verso and Honda FRV. In addition, Mazda’s lower-priced Premacy has been withdrawn from sale (ahead of the arrival of its 5 replacement).
The new premium-priced BMW X3 has helped lift average list prices for SUVs, with year-on-year rises in this sector now at 1.6%. Without the influence of this particular model the average price would actually have decreased by around £200, thanks to the arrival of several low-priced Korean models.
Once again, list price rises are less marked among the prestige brands. In the compact executive sector (Audi A4, Mercedes C-Class, etc), list prices have risen by just 0.1%. In the large executive car sector, prices have fallen by 1.1% over the past year.
The biggest list price changes
The single price rise in pound note terms during March was for the Audi Allroad 2.7T quattro Limited Edition estate, which increased in price by £970, or 2.9%, to £34,080. The biggest fall in list price was for the Volkswagen Phaeton 3.0TDI V6 4Motion, which dropped 11%, or £4,495, to £36,312.
