Brexit BOOM™: UK new car sales speed to record high

[AtW]

"New car sales in the UK hit an all-time high last month, with more than half a million vehicles registered and many buyers opting for diesel cars.

Sales of new cars rose 8.4% from a year earlier to 562,337 in March, making it the biggest month since the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders started collecting data in 1976.

This was more than double the number in the first two months of the year combined, and took registrations in the past three months up 6.2% to 820,016 – making it a new record quarter.

Buyers seized the chance to buy cars before new vehicle excise duty rates came into force. From 1 April all new cars, apart from those with zero emissions, have to pay an annual flat rate charge.

A record number of diesel cars – 244,263 – were sold in March. But there was also a 31% surge in sales of alternatively fuelled vehicles, to 22,818.

Demand from fleets and businesses was particularly strong, with registrations up 12.6% and 11.9% respectively. Private buyers also splashed out on new cars, with sales up 4.4%, reversing the decline seen in the previous month."

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/business...cord-tax-rates


It's as if nothing happened

[diseasex]

"New car sales in the UK hit an all-time high last month, with more than half a million vehicles registered and many buyers opting for diesel cars.

Sales of new cars rose 8.4% from a year earlier to 562,337 in March, making it the biggest month since the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders started collecting data in 1976.

This was more than double the number in the first two months of the year combined, and took registrations in the past three months up 6.2% to 820,016 – making it a new record quarter.

Buyers seized the chance to buy cars before new vehicle excise duty rates came into force. From 1 April all new cars, apart from those with zero emissions, have to pay an annual flat rate charge.

A record number of diesel cars – 244,263 – were sold in March. But there was also a 31% surge in sales of alternatively fuelled vehicles, to 22,818.

Demand from fleets and businesses was particularly strong, with registrations up 12.6% and 11.9% respectively. Private buyers also splashed out on new cars, with sales up 4.4%, reversing the decline seen in the previous month."

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/business...cord-tax-rates


It's as if nothing happened

Just more taxes everywhere...

[northernladyuk]

"New car sales in the UK hit an all-time high last month, with more than half a million vehicles registered and many buyers opting for diesel cars.

Sales of new cars rose 8.4% from a year earlier to 562,337 in March, making it the biggest month since the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders started collecting data in 1976.

This was more than double the number in the first two months of the year combined, and took registrations in the past three months up 6.2% to 820,016 – making it a new record quarter.

Buyers seized the chance to buy cars before new vehicle excise duty rates came into force. From 1 April all new cars, apart from those with zero emissions, have to pay an annual flat rate charge.

A record number of diesel cars – 244,263 – were sold in March. But there was also a 31% surge in sales of alternatively fuelled vehicles, to 22,818.

Demand from fleets and businesses was particularly strong, with registrations up 12.6% and 11.9% respectively. Private buyers also splashed out on new cars, with sales up 4.4%, reversing the decline seen in the previous month."

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/business...cord-tax-rates


It's as if nothing happened

Next year's demand is being brought forward. Same with all the HP type schemes. Nice little boom bust cycle going on here.

[tomtomagain]

It's as if nothing happened

That's 'cos for most people nothing has happened.

[Platypus]

People still buying diesel, after all the emissions scandals.

I'm shocked.

But for 2p / litre, what the heck! Who cares if people die?

[northernladyuk]

People still buying diesel, after all the emissions scandals.

I'm shocked.

But for 2p / litre, what the heck! Who cares if people die?

Fresh air harmful to Londoners

[SueEllen]

People still buying diesel, after all the emissions scandals.

I'm shocked.

But for 2p / litre, what the heck! Who cares if people die?

Fuel consumption.

If you drive mostly on A roads and motorways having a diesel is worth it.

[The_Equalizer]

What is this diesel that you speak of?

[_V_]

That's 'cos for most people nothing has happened.

Well this has happened:

https://www.theguardian.com/business...b01ea2330bf572

UK service sector growth picks up

Breaking: Britain’s service sector has posted its strongest growth of the year, after suffering a slowdown over the winter.

Data firm IHS Markit reports that business activity growth hit a three-month high in March, driven by a pick-up in new work.

Bosses interviewed for the survey said they are optimistic about prospects over the next year --almost half forecast growth while only one-in-nine expect a fall in activity.

Some companies said that “Brexit-related uncertainty” was holding back investment decisions. But on the upside, some firms are seeing more demand from abroad thanks to the weak pound.

This drove the Services PMI up from 53.3 to 55.0 - the highest reading since December 2016.

The PMI has now been over 50 points (the level between expansion and contraction) for eight months.

[squarepeg]

People still buying diesel, after all the emissions scandals.

I'm shocked.

But for 2p / litre, what the heck! Who cares if people die?

They like the sound of the engine. Helps them imagine they are driving a tractor across the green fields of Kent.