Skip advert
Advertisement

New car sales biggest for a decade

UK car registrations at highest since 2004, according to official industry figures

Last year was the best year for new car registrations in ten years, according to official figures. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders said that more than 2.47m new cars were registered during 2014.

The Ford Fiesta was once again Britain’s best-selling car, with more than 131,000 models registered. It was followed by the Ford Focus, Vauxhall Corsa and Volkswagen Golf.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The Vauxhall Astra, Nissan Qashqai, Volkswagen Polo, Audi A3, Fiat 500 and Nissan Juke rounded out the top ten.

A wide range of attractive finance deals are among the reasons for the growth in sales. Around 75% of buyers use some sort of finance package. The most popular type is a Personal Contract Plan (PCP).

The figures showed that superminis, such as the Fiesta and Corsa, and crossovers, like the Qashqai and Juke, continue to grow in popularity. There has been a shift to more upmarket brands like Audi, and sales of low emission models continue to grow, though the 14,500 registrations are still a small fraction of the market.

The SMMT’s chief executive, Mike Hawes, said: “The year was incredibly strong – stronger than we expected,” but he was still “cautiously optimistic” about continued growth this year.

He said registrations are likely to slow to around 1%-2% in 2015, but the market could still achieve 2.5m sales.

The report showed that Britain produced 1.5m cars in 2014 – around the same number as 2013, which Hawes said was “slightly disappointing”. Around 80% of UK-built cars are exported and a disappointing economic performance in European markets has hampered growth.

However, 2015 should be a strong year for British manufacturing, with MINI and Nissan Qashqai sales being bolstered by the Land Rover Discovery Sport and the launch of the Jaguar XE.

UK car manufacturing is expected to reach an all-time high in 2017.

Find out more about Britain's favourite cars in Carbuyer's best-selling cars top 10.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

The best-selling cars in the UK 2024
Best-selling cars in the UK 2024
Best cars
5 Dec 2024

The best-selling cars in the UK 2024

Nissan Juke review – popular small SUV is sharper to drive
Nissan Juke UK drive front quarter
In-depth reviews
3 Dec 2024

Nissan Juke review – popular small SUV is sharper to drive

Ford Focus review – a great-to-drive family hatchback
Ford Focus - front 3/4 dynamic
In-depth reviews
3 Dec 2024

Ford Focus review – a great-to-drive family hatchback

Volkswagen Golf review - the go-to family hatchback
Volkswagen Golf facelift
In-depth reviews
26 Nov 2024

Volkswagen Golf review - the go-to family hatchback

Most Popular

Jaguar Type 00 concept revealed: a bold electric future for the British brand
Jaguar Type 00
News
3 Dec 2024

Jaguar Type 00 concept revealed: a bold electric future for the British brand

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
6 Dec 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers

Best car leasing deals 2024: this week’s top PCH offers
BYD Dolphin deal
Deals
5 Dec 2024

Best car leasing deals 2024: this week’s top PCH offers

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
21 Oct 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps
Charging station
Tips and advice
23 Jul 2024

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
Best electric cars
Best cars
16 May 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024