UK Cars 2016 celebrate the new all time record, the second in a row. The light vehicles market was over 3 million units ranking as 6th in the World immediately behind India and Germany.
Market Outlook
The United Kingdom’s economy continues to hold up well. The economy was supported by a rebound in exports while domestic demand disappointed. Economic activity is performing well as the smooth political transition following the resignation of former Prime Minister David Cameron and the stimulus of the Central Bank are keeping consumer and business confidence at reasonable levels. However, the depreciation of the pound, rising inflation and insufficient wage hikes risk eroding household consumption.
Despite any pessimistic forecast, after the June referendum to leave EC, the automotive market has followed its own track, reporting only two months (July and December) below the 2015 and hitting the new all time record volume.
Indeed, BREXIT is not coming. The British parliament and government has not yet formally taken care of popular vote and when they will, the transaction period of 24 months will start. Our impression is that they will found how to avoid this event.
Ending the year with a shy December (sales at 178.022 units, down 1.1%) the British domestic car passenger market hit in the 2016 a new record with 2.692.786, up 2.3%, hitting the second consecutive all-time record year in the fifth raising year in a row.
Light commercial vehicles ended at their record as well, with 375.000 sales (+1.0%) with total light vehicles market at 3.068.000, for the second time about the 3 million units, ranking as 6th in the World.
Competitive Arena
Ford, Opel and Volkswagen were on top 3 despite the sales losses, while Renault, Mercedes, Kia, Honda and Land Rover reported performances, all in double digit. Jaguar hit the best increase with 34.822 sales, up 45.4%.
Less positive performance were registered for Peugeot and Fiat, but the worse ticket of the year was posted by Citroen, losing 21.3% at 62.991.
At model wise, the Ford Fiesta was the leader with 120.525 sales (-9.7%) followed by the Opel (Vauxhall) Corsa with 77.110 units (-15.2%) and third was the Ford Focus with 70.545 sales (-15.8%).
Tables with sales figures
In the tables below we report sales for all Brands, top 10 Manufacturers Group and top 10 Models
